To: pml1@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [PML1] CC: Marilyn Monroe
From: Mark Tomlonson
Date: Mon, 02 Jun 2003 00:17:00 -0400

In Marilyn Monroe's centerfold (December 1953) she's arrayed on a red 
velvet cloth with nothing on but the radio.

It's more than a little intimidating to write about this picture, which 
is not only an icon in the small niche of Playboy fans, but in the wider 
segment of MM fans and even Western culture as a whole. But my ego, if 
not my knowledge and taste, is up to the task, so here goes:

Nobody had skin that photographed quite like Marilyn. There is a 
luminous quality that I've only seen literally on one other person. This 
shot brings this out in spades. Even given the poor (by current 
standards) quality of the print the glow shines through.

Kelley has selected a good pose as well. It really highlights Marilyn's 
figure, and lends a sense of weight and thus reality to Marilyn's 
breasts. My only quibble is having Marilyn turn into her upright arm. 
This looks too much like she's checking her deodorant for my taste.

More than that, we don't get to see the "Marilyn" attitude that made her 
so unique as a pin-up. She was an extremely accomplished actress, and 
could project volumes with the slightest nuance.

Photographer: Tom Kelley

Scoring:
Pin-up: 3.0
Erotic: 3.5
Artistic: 3.0

Overall: 3.2 out of 4.0

Cyber Club Portfolio Photo I like better than the Centerfold: None, but 
there are many, many photos of Marilyn that I like better.

http://cyber.playboy.com/members/playmates/files/1953/12/centerfold.html

Mark Tomlonson
Kalamazoo MI