The Misfits (1961)

Published: Sept. 9, 2024, 10 a.m.

The second film in our pairing focusing on great actors playing against the type of role they were known for features a quartet actors giving wonderful performances! Directed by John Houston, 1961's "The Misfits" was a change of pace for Marilyn Monroe. Unfortunately, it would aslo be her last completed film acting job. The film follows Roslyn Taber (Monroe), a recent divorcee who, along with her friend Isabelle Steers (Thelma Ritter), meets Guido Delinni (Eli Wallach), a truck driver who had come to tow in Taber's wrecked car. Later on, the two women run into Delinni in a casino, where he introduces them to Gay Langland (Clark Gable), an itinerant cowboy who's preparing to leave town. Langland and Taber begin a relationship, but both Delinni and a down-on-his-luck rodeo rider, Perce Howland (Montgomery Clift), they pick up along the way, also have designs on her as well. As Taber and the three men try to figure out their lives, tempers fray and alcohol releases anger and insecurity, causing rifts in their various relationships. Also starring Kevin McCarthy, James Barton, and Estelle Winwood! Plus, the gents unveil which two classic stories, done with steampunk sensibilities, they'll be reviewing next!