Don't Bother To Knock
The Diamond Collection
A beautiful babysitter (Marilyn Monroe) begins an affair with one of the guests (Richard Widmark) in the hotel where she is a live-in babysitter. But when the child she cares for interrupts their lovemaking, Monroe becomes a dangerous madwoman. Also starring Anne Bancroft, the chilling, provocative Don't Bother To Knock brilliantly showcases Monroe in a rare portrayal of a truly dark character.
Member Reviews
fascinating actress - tbird
Marilyn Munroe had so many facial expressions that were strange and unique.you sense there is something special beneath the surface. what makes this movie good is that she is playing an evil, complex character. i wish more films could have been made like this staring marilyn instead of the dumb blond roles.Marilyn Monroe's First Starring Role - bwod
After struggling for ten years to achieve success in the movies, producers felt that she was ready to headline in a serious movie. By 1952, not only was her glamorous beauty recognized, but her acting talent began to really shine, as well.
Co-starring with Richard Widmark, and supporting ingenue Anne Bancroft, in her first movie role, Marilyn Monroe pulls off a tough role as a psychotic young woman who at first seems rather mousey, and then begins to break down again, as real danger begins to emerge, in her character.
This is a serious film noir, that manages to inject some very stylish and sometimes amusing dialogue. The movie is competently directed by Roy Ward Baker ("The Saint" tv series), and takes place entirely within a hotel in New York City.
Although it's not a big budget film, it manages to entertain very well thanks to a good script by Daniel Taradash ("From Here To Eternity"). Definitely worth a look if you like classic film noir and you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe. I give it one firm thumb up.Campy - FilmJunkie
There is a reason Marilyn never played roles as balls out nuts as this, because she is not horribly convincing. In this film we meet the residents of a middle class hotel, as they interact with the overly nosy elevator operator. This same operator recommends his niece to babysit for a couple staying in the hotel, enter Marilyn as Nell, the seemingly shy girl who comes off as entirely vapid in the beginning.
Nell becomes swept up in the mother's possessions and begins to flirt with Jed (Richard Widmark), a man across the way who is coping with the end of his affair with the hotel's lounge singer (Anne Bancroft, stunning and very young). Nell and Jed's night quickly turns sour as we begin to understand why Nell is so lonely.
The film is full of over the top lines which make the film come off more comedy than drama. The story line is ridiculously silly and by the end it is hard to believe that Jed would still care at all about Nell. Nonetheless, Marilyn challenges herself and it is nice to see her so young and fresh. As well, Bancroft does great work in her small supporting role.
A film for hard core fans of Marilyn only, for the rest, you will be laughing your way through the bizarre plot.
Member Reviews
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fascinating actress - tbird
Marilyn Munroe had so many facial expressions that were strange and unique.you sense there is something special beneath the surface. what makes this movie good is that she is playing an evil, complex character. i wish more films could have been made like this ...Marilyn Monroe's First Starring Role - bwod
After struggling for ten years to achieve success in the movies, producers felt that she was ready to headline in a serious movie. By 1952, not only was her glamorous beauty recognized, but her acting talent began to really shine, as well.
Co-starring with ...Campy - FilmJunkie
There is a reason Marilyn never played roles as balls out nuts as this, because she is not horribly convincing. In this film we meet the residents of a middle class hotel, as they interact with the overly nosy elevator operator. This same operator recommends ...