Unpacking the Allure: Marilyn Monroe's Subway Grate Moment and Its WWII Connection

Marilyn Monroe: More Than Just an Icon

When we think of Marilyn Monroe, the image of her white dress billowing over a subway grate is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable moments in film history. But the story behind this iconic scene from The Seven Year Itch reveals layers of cultural context and creative inspiration.

A Journey Back in Time

The recent publication, Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs, reveals that the roots of this sensational moment extend back to 1941, during the tumultuous days of World War II.

Photographer Sam Shaw, who shared a close friendship with Monroe, began capturing images of young women and sailors on Coney Island, where winds would lift skirts and create a playful, almost whimsical atmosphere. As Shaw's granddaughter, Melissa Stevens, narrates, these candid moments took on a life of their own, paving the way for what would become a legendary film scene.

“The behind-the-scenes story, the origin story of my grandfather's photographs, is not really well known,” Stevens explains.

The Behind-the-Scenes Story

Fast forward to 1954: Shaw was brought on as the still photographer for The Seven Year Itch. He was inspired by his previous Coney Island work when he read the script, particularly a line where Monroe's character exits a movie theater and steps onto a grate.

“The minute that Sam read that in the script, he remembered the 1941 photograph from Coney Island and how successful it was,” said Stevens. “He basically repurposed that photograph, which is very joyful and fun.”

Marilyn Monroe's subway grate moment in 'The Seven Year Itch' became a cultural touchstone. (© Shaw Family Archives Ltd)

Managing the Chaos

On September 15, 1954, thousands of people descended on Lexington Avenue and 51st Street to witness the spectacle of Monroe's iconic dress flying upward. The police were reportedly overwhelmed by the crowd, more captivated by Monroe's presence than managing the throng around her.

Shaw had even arranged for additional police to handle the flood of onlookers, highlighting the immense draw Monroe had at that time. With a wind machine situated perfectly, audience members could witness what became an emblem of femininity, freedom, and sexuality.

“The police were completely off-guard, more fascinated watching Marilyn, forgetting the mob,” Shaw reminisced.

The Reflection on Cultural Norms

Yet, as Stevens points out, this was more than just a playful encounter with a gust of wind; it was a moment that pushed boundaries in the highly regulated Hollywood system. The 1950s were riddled with strict moral codes and censorship, so the act of displaying Monroe's femininity was controversial. “People may think today, 'What's the big deal about a woman with her skirt blowing up?',” she reflects, emphasizing the societal ethos of the time. Monroe's image challenged the norms, defying what was acceptable.

As Shaw narrated in Dear Marilyn, the scene faced scrutiny from moral groups like the Catholic Legion of Decency. The tension surrounding its creation underscored a broader struggle against a rigid societal framework.

The Aftermath

From that point onward, Monroe became an absolute star. The film was a launching pad that not only secured her place in Hollywood history but also changed her personal life. Shaw noted how even her marriage to Joe DiMaggio felt the repercussions of this newfound fame. DiMaggio reportedly walked away in anger, unable to grapple with the public attention surrounding his wife.

It's a poignant reminder that the allure of Marilyn Monroe was both a blessing and a curse. Shaw observed that Monroe enjoyed the chaos of the moment more than anyone, but the shadows of her personal struggles loomed large.

A Lasting Legacy

Marilyn Monroe's cultural impact extends beyond her filmography and iconic imagery. It's essential to contextualize these moments within the frameworks of gender roles, sexuality, and fame. We are continually enchanted by Monroe—a woman who grew from humble beginnings to become a global icon.

The stories wrapped around her life and art, as explored in Dear Marilyn, underscore the complexities of her legacy.

“She started with nothing,” Steven states. “No money and a troubled family situation. Yet somehow, she rose to the top.”

Conclusion: The Dance of Fame and Struggle

Through exploring the astonishing intersections of creativity, history, and cultural standards surrounding Monroe's subway grate photo, we disassemble the iconography and get closer to the essence of who she was—a fierce woman navigating a world that often sought to define her. In doing so, we can celebrate her more fully, complete with her many joys and struggles.