The Steeple Times

Tag: Marilyn Monroe

  • Evelyn McHale (1923 – 1947)

    Evelyn McHale (1923 – 1947)

    Little is known about what drove Evelyn McHale to jump from the Empire State Building and be captured in the “most beautiful suicide [photograph] ever” on 1st May 1947.

     

    Berkeley, California born bookkeeper McHale was one of nine children of a divorced bank examiner. The 23-year-old worked at the Kitab Engraving Company in Pearl Street, Manhattan and was engaged to a college student discharged from the United States Army Air Force named Barry Rhodes. She seemed to have had it all, but chose to end her life from atop one of the most famous buildings in the world.

     

    “Elegantly attired and wearing a silk scarf, white gloves and a pearl necklace… [she is said to have] carefully removed her coat and neatly folded it, next she placed her black pocketbook on top of her coat [along with her makeup compact filled with family pictures and a handbag]. At 10:40am: Patrolman John Morrisey of Traffic C, directing traffic at 34th and 35th Avenue, reported seeing a white scarf floating lazily down from the heavens. Moments later this peaceful, dreamy scene was brutally interrupted by a heart rendering boom” as McHale had jumped 1,050-feet to her death and a crowd had converged.

     

    Photography student Robert Wiles is said to have run over and captured a “poignant and surreal photo.” It was the only image of his ever published and Life Magazine captioned it: “At the bottom of the Empire State Building the body of Evelyn McHale reposes in grotesque bier, her falling body punched into the top of a [United Nations Assembly Cadillac limousine].” The driver was “in a nearby drug store, thereby escaping death or serious injury” other reports added.

     

    A note found in her pocketbook announced: “I don’t want anyone in or out of my family to see any part of me. Could you destroy my body by cremation? I beg of you and my family – don’t have any service for me or remembrance for me.” She had crossed out the following: “My fiancé asked me to marry him in June. I don’t think I would make a good wife for anybody. He is much better off without me” and then ended: “Tell my father, I have too many of my mother’s tendencies.”

     

    Of the image, one commentator later remarked: “Evelyn’s gloved hand appears to be serenely touching her pearl necklace, and her legs crossed as if taking a nap,” whilst another added: “Evelyn McHale will go down in history as something akin to a fallen angel, as poignant and iconic as Marilyn Monroe.”

     

    She was cremated with no service, grave or memorial and her fiancé reportedly said of her: “When I kissed her goodbye, she was happy and as normal as any girl about to be married.” He remained single for the rest of his life and died in Melbourne, Florida in 2007.

     

    Many ‘sightings’ of Evelyn McHale wearing bright red lipstick and “looking distressed” on the 86th floor observation deck have been reported and in the years since her death, she has been recalled in the works of Andy Warhol, David Bowie, Pearl Jam and Taylor Swift amongst others.

     

    Evelyn McHale (1923 – 1947) – Little is known about what drove Evelyn McHale to jump from the Empire State Building and be captured in the “most beautiful suicide [photograph] ever” on 1st May 1947.
    The United Nations Assembly Cadillac limousine that the body of Evelyn McHale landed upon after falling 86 floors from the observatory deck of the Empire State Building in New York City and the original image (unedited) taken by Robert Wiles. It has been has been compared to the photograph by Malcolm Wilde Browne of the self-immolation of Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức who burned himself alive at a busy Saigon road intersection on 11th June 1963.
    Evelyn McHale (1923 – 1947) – Little is known about what drove Evelyn McHale to jump from the Empire State Building and be captured in the “most beautiful suicide [photograph] ever” on 1st May 1947.
    An image clearly showing the damage to the car from above.
    Evelyn McHale (1923 – 1947) – Little is known about what drove Evelyn McHale to jump from the Empire State Building and be captured in the “most beautiful suicide [photograph] ever” on 1st May 1947.
    Joséphine Wister Faure created a ‘mixed media sculpture’ of the car that the body of Evelyn McHale hit on 1st May 1947. Her sculpture is described as: “An interpretation of the photo, revisiting the impact of the image and the trace this woman left, both literally and physically. Also being true to her last wishes in which she specifically asked not to be seen. Inside the car the radio is playing 1947 NYC broadcast.” It was exhibited at the Boite Noire Gallery in the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles in 2015.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXhxfOzkq5w
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQyHyJa2tSs

     

  • Hit the Road Marilyn

    Hit the Road Marilyn

    Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned

     

    A 1956 Ford Thunderbird gifted as a Christmas present to Marilyn Monroe in 1955 by her business partner, the photographer Milton Greene, is to be auctioned in November.

     

    The raven black roadster bodied automatic – dubbed a “personal luxury car” by Ford – comes with numerous documents  and of it, the current owner comments:

     

    “I found the vehicle in lovely show condition. Nevertheless, the car has received a frame-off restoration to its exact original appearance by Prestige Thunderbird, Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Prestige is the premier west coast firm specializing only in classic 1955, 1956, and 1957 Ford Thunderbirds. In recognition of the car’s important provenance, special heed was given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed.”

     

    “Finding this car, a classic two-seater model, after 56 plus years of its unknown whereabouts, was a singular event. No other car has been located and documented as owned by the incomparable Marilyn Monroe.”

     

    Speaking of the 225 horsepower, V8 engined vehicle, Amy Greene, wife of Milton Greene, remarked:

     

    “Marilyn liked to drive. We’d take the convertible and with the top down, we’d go sailing along the highway. We both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs.”

     

    Kept and driven by the icon for six years, Monroe and her playwright husband Arthur Miller drove the Thunderbird to their civil wedding ceremony on 28th June 1956 and likely also to their private wedding on 30th June 1956. The vehicle was subsequently ‘regifted’ t to John Strasberg, the son the director and acting coach Lee Strasberg, as an 18th birthday present in 1962. It comes with a black canvas convertible top, a porthole windowed hardtop and has 30,399 miles on the odometer following an engine rebuild.

     

    Darren Julien, president of Julien’s – the firm conducting the sale – added:

     

    “Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it. This wonderful Ford Thunderbird is not only part of automotive history but comes with an aura of glamour, romance and tragedy of a true Hollywood legend. It will make the centrepiece of any classic car collection and be an object of fascination to millions.”

     

    Julien’s Auctions will offer the car at their ‘Icons and Idols: Hollywood’ on 17th November in Los Angeles, California. They have set an estimate of £230,000 to £384,000 ($300,000 to $500,000, €262,000 to €436,000 or درهم1.1 million to درهم1.8 million).

     

    2018 photos: Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.

     

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    Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.

  • Gone with the Joseffs

    Gone with the Joseffs

     

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    Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles

     

    Gone with the Wind is undoubtedly one of the all-time classic films. It took in excess of $390 million at the box office, won an astonishing eight Academy Awards in 1940 and propelled the careers of both Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) and Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) into the stratosphere.

     

    Now, in November in California, a diamond and amethyst necklace worn by Leigh in the film will be sold at auction with an estimate of £45,000 to £61,000 ($60,000 to $80,000, €50,000 to €66,000 or درهم220,000 to درهم294,000) alongside a cigarette case used by Gable (estimate: £30,000 to £45,000, $40,000 to $60,000, €33,000 to €50,000 or درهم147,000 to درهم220,000).

    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    Eugene Joseff pictured in the crown and sceptre worn by Ronald Colman in “The Prisoner of Zenda” (1937) and Vivien Leigh in Joseff with Clark Gable in “Gone with the Wind” (1939)

    This pair of Gone with the Wind memorabilia, which will be sold by Julien’s Auctions, forms part of a 500-piece collection from the vault of Eugene Joseff (1905 – 1948), an advertising executive turned jeweller to Hollywood’s superstars. Joseff’s primary success stemmed from the fact he developed a matte metal finish for his jewellery that minimised the glare from the strong studio lights and thus everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe wore his pieces. Though this talented designer tragically died in a plane crash, his family continue to operate the firm Joseff of Hollywood and aside from making jewellery now also produce aerospace castings for radar, guided missiles, computers, and electro-mechanical systems.

     

    Of the collection, Martin Nolan of Julien’s Auctions commented:

     

    “The Joseff Collection that has been consigned to Julien’s Auctions is the single most important collection of film-worn jewellery ever to come to the market. This historic cache, stored in a Hollywood warehouse for decades is the very stuff of Hollywood history and legend. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of film history that was designed and manufactured to dazzle, as each piece had to compete with the wearer, the most beautiful women in the world.”

     

    Julien’s Auctions will sell the collection on 17th and 18th November at their Los Angeles Gallery.

     

    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    The Vivien Leigh necklace by Eugene Joseff
    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    The Clark Gable cigarette case by Eugene Joseff

    At a slightly different point but nevertheless cut, here are three jewelry items to consider if you’re looking for gift ideas…
    Here are 3 we found that are cute and affordable:
    1) Gorgeous ring for Mum? – this ring for Mum will make her eyes light up on Mother’s Day, or just about any other day for that matter. A casual, versatile ring that can be worn with just about anything, day or night, it’s a perfect complement to any outfit or occasion.
    2) Need a pretty gift for a dog lover? – This cute puppy paw necklace is a pet-friendly addition for any puppy lover, young or old. Whether it’s a birthday gift or just a gift to say thank you, the recipient will be over the moon!
    3) Cute leaf earrings for a nature lover perhaps? – these cute earrings can be worn day or night with just about any outfit. A nice addition to jazz up your day and look and feel great.

  • Sandra Shevey

    Sandra Shevey

    Sandra SheveySandra Shevey

    Though she claims to be a feminist, a writer, an expert on market towns and a film and television location tour guide, Sandra Shevey tends to busy her days writing complaints about amongst others Asda, Debenhams, Tesco and Waitrose on Twitter. (more…)

  • Brendan Jay Sullivan

    Brendan Jay Sullivan

    Brendan Jay Sullivan (AKA “DJVh1”)A former sidekick of Lady Gaga, New York based bartender turned DJ and author Brendan Jay Sullivan wrote a memoir of his time with her in 2013 (more…)

  • Trish Moore: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Trish Moore: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks businesswoman Trish Moore: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    Faith.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Get even.

      (more…)

  • Chanel – A brief history

    Chanel – A brief history

    Katusha Fletcher takes a brief look at the history of the iconic brand Chanel

     

    For a certain type of woman there is one label coveted above all others, Chanel. Founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Bonheur Chanel, daughter of an unwed laundress and street peddler, in early 20th century Paris, the House of Chanel epitomises effortless, understated style.

      (more…)

  • Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks art curator, advisor and advocate Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    I surround myself with those who remind me not to take life too seriously and to laugh, no matter what. For new relationships, focus on those who have positive energy and a similar outlook on life.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Immediately forget timewasters who are negative and dramatic.

      (more…)

  • New York’s priciest pad

    New York’s priciest pad

    The sale of a $125 million penthouse on the top three floors of The Pierre

    In London this week, the Evening Standard announced that a 50,000 square foot Grade I listed Regency house, 18 Carlton House Terrace, SW1 has gone on the market at £250,000,000. If it achieves this figure, it will become the most expensive single home to be sold in the UK ever.

    (more…)

  • The cult of “celebrity”

    The cult of “celebrity”

    Matthew Steeples bemoans an overused word

     

    They’re everywhere: you’ll find them on magazine covers, on the television and at events. They stalk out the cameras, they behave badly and make utter fools of themselves. In fact, they’ll do just about anything to keep in the “media eye”. Allegedly, Lindsay’s one, Katie’s one and Justin’s one too. They’re forced upon us so much that they don’t even need surnames anymore. The “celebrity” is the force de rigueur and they and the word that describes them has spread like cheap margarine throughout the land.

     

    Famous for nothing other than her wealth... Tamara Ecclestone stumbles out of Annabel's on New Year's Eve 2012 propped up by her mother, Slavica
    Famous for nothing other than her wealth: Tamara Ecclestone stumbles out of Annabel’s on New Year’s Eve 2012 propped up by her mother, Slavica

    At a book launch this week, a photographer I spoke with complained that he had become bored of tiresome and pointless individuals who consider themselves famous. The truly famous, instead, just want privacy. There are now, indeed, “celebrity stylists”, “celebrity chefs” and even our Prime Minister, David Cameron, has a “celebrity personal trainer”.

     

    Fame used to be the reserve of the truly iconic. Frank Sinatra is, without doubt, deserving of the accolade, as are Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson and Madonna. The cast of The Only Way is Essex and Tulisa are not.

     

    Please could someone just put the word “celebrity” back in its box?