70 Years of Iconic Cinema: The Story Behind Marilyn Monroe’s ‘The Seven Year Itch’
Remember that unforgettable moment when a gust of wind turned Marilyn Monroe’s dress into a flowing spectacle over a subway grate in New York City? It’s a scene that’s etched in cinema history, originating from the 1955 comedy “The Seven Year Itch.” This year marks its 70th anniversary, and the family of photographer Sam Shaw, a close friend of Monroe, has released a new book that delves into the backstory of this iconic photo, which helped define her as a sex symbol.
Melissa Stevens, Shaw’s granddaughter, shared with Fox News Digital that the untold story behind this famous shot isn’t widely recognized. “The behind-the-scenes tales, the origin stories surrounding my grandfather’s photo, aren’t as familiar,” she noted.
Shaw’s journey began in 1941, when he was focused on photojournalism. During World War II, he snapped images of sailors and young women enjoying a day at Coney Island, capturing spontaneous moments, including skirts blowing in the wind—a cover photo from that time will look familiar to many.
In 1954, Shaw was brought on as the still photographer for “The Seven Year Itch.” He read the script, which featured a scene with Monroe exiting a theater, her dress swaying in the subway’s breeze, a delightful moment highlighted with the line, “Oh, can you feel the breeze? Isn’t it delicious?” It sparked a memory of his Coney Island shots, leading him to reimagine that earlier work for the film.
Stevens explained how this was no simple shoot. Shaw requested additional police presence for crowd control, anticipating throngs of onlookers at Lexington Avenue. To enhance the effect, engineers set up wind turbines beneath Monroe’s feet to mimic the subway’s rushing trains.
On September 15, 1954, the scene unfolded with thousands, primarily men, gathered to witness Monroe’s skirt fluttering—each click of the camera revealing glimpses of her white underwear, much to the delight of the crowd. Shaw described the police being caught off-guard, fixated on the spectacle that was Monroe.
Fast forward to that evening: Monroe’s husband, Joe DiMaggio, was reportedly displeased by the public’s reaction to the scene. Ironically, it highlighted not only Monroe’s allure but also her struggle for autonomy. Stevens recounted how the actress, post-divorce, immersed herself in her career, seeking better roles and freedoms in Hollywood.
The original filming was redone in a Los Angeles studio where they controlled the lighting and wind—without the presence of an audience. Despite the playful nature of the dress scene, it faced scrutiny from moral authorities of the time, yet Monroe thrived amidst this scrutiny, displaying a resilience that endeared her to fans even more.
Shaw’s reflections reveal Monroe not as a mere victim of the industry but as a strong woman who faced adversity with humor and determination. Fans continue to be captivated by her journey, recognizing her as a representation of the “American Dream”—a young woman overcoming a troubled start to achieve success.
The portrayal of Monroe in relationship dynamics, especially during her marriage to DiMaggio, reveals complexities that resonate today. Stevens pointed out that while her life was indeed challenging, it also reflected a narrative of empowerment, especially in the face of conventional expectations.
“She started with nothing—no money, no solid family background but somehow reached the pinnacle of success,” Stevens concludes, emphasizing that her grandfather shared not just a story of a beautiful star but of a hardworking woman claiming her place in history.
