Rare Marilyn Monroe Photos and Negatives to be Sold at Auction!

Copyrights to Accompany Images

DALLAS, TEXAS: It was an unforgettable moment, one that would be indelibly imprinted in the minds of Americans for many years to come.

The year was 1962, the occasion was the 45th birthday of President John F. Kennedy, and the site was Madison Square Garden. 15,000 people packed the arena, there to see the celebration to end all celebrations, hosted by the President's brother-in-law, Peter Lawford, and attended by such celebrities as Jack Benny, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Durante, and Maria Callas.

But the real star of the show, outshining even the guest-of-honor himself, was a luminous Marilyn Monroe, literally sewn into a flesh-colored, rhinestone-encrusted Jean Louis gown. She caused a sensation when she took the stage, and gained true immortality when she sang "Happy Birthday, Mister President," in a silky, sultry voice that was hot enough to melt a diamond. Of course, the rumors of an affair between the Chief Executive and the winsome starlet only served to add fuel to the fire that was intensifying, moment by moment, in full view of the entire world via television. It was a juxtaposition of both Presidential and Hollywood history that would never be repeated.

"What makes this event even more poignant," said Doug Norwine, Director of Entertainment Auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries, "is that it would prove to be one of Marilyn's last public appearances. A mere 78 days later, she would be found dead of an apparent drug overdose in her Brentwood home and would become an icon. Just 18 months later, JFK himself would be felled by an assassin's bullet on the streets of Dallas, instantly elevating him, too, to the realm of legend"

"The photos we're offering were taken by acclaimed independent photographer Irving Steinberg, who arrived late to the affair," Norwine said, "but still managed to capture Marilyn backstage in all her glory, mere moments after her stunning performance. Steinberg, whose images were purchased by such major publications as The Saturday Evening Post and Look Magazine, was well known for his access to places usually off-limits to other photographers. He snapped several pictures of Marilyn wearing a lovely white mink stole, surrounded by celebrities and friends, including Arthur Miller's father -- at the time, her father-in-law - and comedian Jack Benny. There is also an incredibly revealing shot of Marilyn, fully showcasing the gown. Additional shots show her in her limousine as she departed the Garden. Finally, there is a beautiful close-up of Ms. Monroe that perfectly sums up all that was magical about this 20th-Century goddess."

"These photos capture a magical night, when Marilyn was at the peak of her popularity," Norwine said. "She is beautiful and radiant in these photos, and it's hard to believe that she would be dead shortly thereafter. The 10 silver-gelatin prints in this lot are being sold along with all the attendant negatives and copyrights. To our knowledge, this grouping of photos has never before been seen by the general public. This is a rare opportunity for the advanced Monroe collector to acquire something unique, something that could literally prove to be a treasure-trove for the right person."

Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their upcoming Signature auction on October 6 & 7, 2006, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Spectacular Never-Before-Available Pictures of Marilyn Monroe at JFK's 45th Birthday Party May 19, 1962:
ESTIMATE: $85,000 & up

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of Entertainment, Celebrity or Hollywood memorabilia are invited to www.HA.com/Entertainment and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Doug Norwine at DougN@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.