**”Ladies of the Chorus”** (1948) is a musical film featuring Marilyn Monroe in a leading role. This film is notable for showcasing Monroe’s talents as a performer during the early stages of her career.
### Film Details:
– **Title**: Ladies of the Chorus
– **Release Year**: 1948
– **Genre**: Musical Comedy
– **Director**: Phil Karlson
– **Screenwriter**: Charles O’Neal, based on a story by John K. Butler
– **Production Company**: 20th Century Fox
– **Runtime**: 78 minutes
– **Main Cast**:
– **Marilyn Monroe** as Ellen (a chorus girl)
– **Ann B. Davis** as Madame Rose
– **David Wayne** as Johnny
– **Evelyn Varden** as Mrs. Kelly
– **Allyn Joslyn** as Mr. Kelly
### Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Ellen (Marilyn Monroe), a young chorus girl who works in a Broadway show. The film focuses on Ellen’s romantic relationship with a wealthy man, Johnny (David Wayne), which brings challenges and conflicts, especially as Ellen’s mother, Madame Rose, is also a former showgirl.
As the romance develops, Ellen must navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and family expectations. The film explores themes of love and the pursuit of success in the glamorous world of show business.
### Marilyn Monroe’s Role:
In **”Ladies of the Chorus,”** Marilyn Monroe plays the lead role of **Ellen**. This film provided Monroe with a significant opportunity to demonstrate her singing and dancing abilities, which contributed to her rising star status. Her performance, along with her charm and charisma, helped to solidify her image as a glamorous actress.
### Musical Numbers:
The film features several musical numbers, showcasing the talents of the cast. Monroe’s performances are particularly memorable and include songs that highlight her vocal abilities.
### Reception:
“Ladies of the Chorus” received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised Monroe’s performance, others felt the film was a standard musical without significant depth. Nevertheless, it is an important entry in Monroe’s filmography, as it allowed her to take on a more substantial role and further establish her career.
The film is often appreciated by fans of Monroe and classic musicals for its lightheartedness and the chance to see Monroe in her early days as a leading lady in Hollywood.
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