Bus Stop (1956)

This review refers to the 20th Century Fox(Diamond Collection)DVD edition of "Bus Stop"

Bo can hog tie a calf, and ride a bronco better and faster than anyone around. But he is naive in the ways of the world. When he takes his first bus trip to the city to dazzle em at a rodeo, he's in for the ride of his life. His mentor Virge, tells him it's time he found a gal of his own. Bo likes this idea, but he doesn't want any ol' gal, it's got to be an angel. He'll know her when he sees her! And what's more he'll simply rope her and haul her back with him. Well, things get complicated for this simple guy, when he spots his angel. She is Cherie. A "Chanteuse" with plans of her own. Cherie has direction in her life. The direction being from "River Gulch" to "Hollywood", where she will have "options". She is trying desperatly to shed her "hillbilly" image. A Montana cattle ranch was not part of the plan. Once these two meet though, Cherie has no choice in the matter(or does she?), and is literally swept off her feet by Bo.She finds herself on a bus ride that may change her life. Can the naive rancher and and the saloon singer with a past find love? Find out in this very touching story.

Marilyn Monroe will capture your heart(once again) as Cherie. She shines in this role of a more dramatic nature.She treats us to "That Old Black Magic", and although, Cherie's talent as a songstress is not going to win her any awards, it doesn't matter. Like Bo, we are just dazzled by what we see!

Don Murray is introduced as Bo. He's absolutely wonderful as the innocent cowboy. Directed by Joshua Logan, it also stars such greats as Arthur O'connell, Eileen Heckart, Betty Field, and look for a very young Hope Lange. The are some charming musical numbers as well.

This film from 1956,has been restored and looks fabulous. It is presented in anamorphic widescreen(1.85:1) with wonderful color and a beautifully clear picture. The sound may be listented to in 4.0 Surround or stereo, and is terriffic as well. It may be viewed in French(mono) and has Spanish and English subtitles. There's a theatrical trailer, some stills, and a great demonstration of how the restoration compares with previous transfers. If you can't get enough of Marilyn, you may want to consider buying this in the "Diamond Collection" set. Besides this one, it includes, "How To Marry A Millionaire", Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", "There's No Business Like Show Business","The Seven Year Itch" and a great documentary about Marilyn's last months "The Final Days". All of these DVDs are excellent as well.

"Bus Stop" is dramatic, funny and poignant. It will leave you with a smile on your face for some time afterwards.

Spend some time with Marilyn....and enjoy...Laurie

Many critics now say that it's a crime that Marilyn Monroe was never nominated for an Academy Award. Her not being nominated for her performance in "Bus Stop" is proof.

Today, we often see actors starring in movies that require them to speak with a certain accent, and their accents come-and-go during the movie. You wont find that here. Marilyn's hillbilly accent remains throughout the film, and it's a very realistic one. Initially, Marilyn's costume was an expensive getup created by the studio, but she herself went to a second-hand shop and found an outfit that she believed her character would actually wear. And, she agreed that she should wear the white, chalky make-up that she does in the film, as her character is one who sleeps during the day (never sees sunlight) and works at night.

Marilyn displays a wide range of emotions in this film--happiness, sexiness, sadness, excitement, and downright anger--and we feel every one of them. I dont think any other actress could have done a better job in the role.

The entire cast is excellent as well. The role of "Grace" is a scene-stealer!

Buy Bus Stop (1956) Now

We've got to admit that this kind of material belongs to the theater.However the casting of DON MURRAY in a real far out character and MARILYN MONROE as a dancer works surprizingly well.The saloon scene with MARILYN singing the 1942 MERCER classic THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC is fun.The fighting match in the snow is a real audience rouser.Perhaps one can say that the character that MURRAY plays seems rather unappealing and rather unbelievable.To resume the story simply, it's a youngman from the country who becomes a man when he discovers sex the first time he sees CHERIE.

Read Best Reviews of Bus Stop (1956) Here

Marilyn is undoubtedly at her best in this great motion picture. One correction to other comments BUS STOP is full 2.35:1 Cinemascope, not 1.85:1. Be assured that those prone closeups are seen in their full glory and Marilyn's performance of "That Old Black Magic" is SUPPOSED to be bad. It remains gloriously awful and one of THE great movie scenes.

Want Bus Stop (1956) Discount?

The story is corny, but that's what makes it so funny. Marilyn over plays the character as a lot of little things happen around her that aren't really part of the story, but would be typical in a similar situation; like for example when Marilyn is trying to change clothes in the bus full of sleeping passenger. She contends with the little boy who is set to watch by placing her hand on the top of his head and turning it to the side. At the time the bus driver almost runs off the road and turns the bus over trying to get a peek too. Marilyn is just too perfect at being Marilyn!

Save 24% Off