Marilyn Monroe context

• Who was Marilyn Monroe?

  An American actress born in 1926
• What was the cause of Marilyn Monroe's death?

  Overdose of sleeping pills
• Why is Marilyn Monroe's death considered unexpected?

  Due to pressures of the film world
• How many movies did Marilyn Monroe make?

  29 movies
• What does Marilyn Monroe represent in the 1950s?

  One of the most famous film stars
• What was Marilyn Monroe's birth name?

  Norma Jeane Mortenson
• What was the condition of Marilyn Monroe's mother?

  She suffered from mental instability
• How did Marilyn Monroe's upbringing affect her life?

  She never felt loved and faced instability
• Why did Marilyn marry at 16?

  To have a place to live
• How does Russell use Marilyn Monroe in Blood Brothers?

  As a motif linking to fostering/adoption
• What compliment does Mrs Johnstone receive about Marilyn Monroe?

  She is told she is sexier than Monroe
• What societal attitudes existed in the 1950s regarding women?

  They were very traditional
• What was the consequence of Mrs Johnstone's unplanned pregnancy?

  She had to get married
• How is Marilyn Monroe viewed as an icon?

  She represents Hollywood glamour
• What aspects of Marilyn Monroe's life contributed to her appeal?

  Her beauty, talent, and vulnerability
• What contradictions existed in Marilyn Monroe's life?

  She was glamorous yet faced disappointments
• What addiction did Marilyn Monroe struggle with?

  Addiction to Nembutol
• How does Mrs Johnstone reference Marilyn Monroe in Act 2?

  She sings about hoping Eddie will be okay
• How does Mickey's character relate to Marilyn Monroe?

  He takes anti-depressants like her
• What does the phrase "Say it’s just a dream" refer to?

  A scene from an old movie
• How does Russell use Marilyn Monroe to show the passage of time?

  Her career reflects Mrs Johnstone's life stages
• What does Mrs Johnstone refer to when mentioning Marilyn Monroe's depression?

  Marilyn's struggles with drug addiction