River of No Return

I’m a performer. Didn’t you know? Songs and dances.” – Kay Weston (Marilyn Monroe) in RIVER OF NO RETURN

The western RIVER OF NO RETURN links Monroe to film noir hero Robert Mitchum. The screenplay was loosely inspired by Vittorio De Sica’s BICYLCE THIEVES and follows a father, his young son and a singer who have to survive the harsh conditions of America’s west. Mitchum plays Matt Calder, a farmer who has just been released from prison and is reunited with his son Mark. They cross paths with Kay, a saloon hall girl, and her fiancé Harry. When Harry leaves the others behind unprotected in dangerous territory, the threesome has to continue their way on a raft across a dangerous river.

The shoot of RIVER OF NO RETURN was troubled, by heavy rainfall as well as accidents on set. Director Otto Preminger insisted his actors did their own stunts, which led to Monroe nearly drowning and Mitchum and Monroe ending up in the titular river when their raft was upturned. Preminger also clashed with Monroe and her acting coach Natasha Lytess, who was constantly present on set and gave Monroe instructions that differed from Preminger’s direction. In addition, the heavy drinking of other star Mitchum was also problematic for the shoot. However, despite these setbacks the movie became a box office hit and a classic within the western genre.

This screening is part of MARILYN 100, an ode to the iconic Marilyn Monroe in what would’ve been her 100th year of life.