Although it would probably have been forgotten without Marilyn’s minor role, As Young as You Feel is a likable, well-acted light comedy, and an auspicious movie for her in some ways. Made in early 1951, it was her first assignment after being re-hired by Twentieth Century-Fox; and on a sadder note, her first since the death of Johnny Hyde, who had done so much to promote her career. And it was on the set that she first met Arthur Miller, visiting with Elia Kazan.
As well as established names like Monty Woolley, Constance Bennett and Albert Dekker, As Young as You Feel boasted several rising stars who would work with Marilyn again on bigger projects, including Jean Peters (Niagara), David Wayne (How to Marry a Millionaire), and Thelma Ritter (The Misfits.) Another cast member with a bright future ahead was a 16-year-old actor billed as Rusty.
At 89, Russ Tamblyn has just published his autobiography, Dancing on the Edge – and although he didn’t work directly with Marilyn on As Young as You Feel, she certainly made a lasting impression.
“In 1950, I had several parts in films that have not withstood the test of time, but one of them, As Young as You Feel, was notable for my encounter with a blonde, up-and-coming actress who had a small part as a secretary. She told me how much she loved my curly hair and asked if she could run her fingers through it. Normally, I would have protested, but she was so beautiful I couldn’t resist. I bent over like a puppy starved for affection and let her stroke my curls, basking in the moment. That night in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. At the time, the actress was under contract to 20th Century Fox, just one of many pretty young starlets on the lot who filmed small parts in movies. Early nude photos of her appeared, which were quite scandalous for the times, and her popularity increased enormously. Of course she would go on to become Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.”
Shortly after shooting As Young as You Feel, Russ was signed by MGM, and went on to star in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Peyton Place, and West Side Story. He later became an accomplished fine artist, and reached a new audience in the cult TV series, Twin Peaks. Taking us from Hollywood’s golden age to the vibrant counterculture of the 1960s and beyond, Dancing on the Edge is packed with stories from a remarkable life, including memories of Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, and many more.
The Marilyn Report 
3 Comments
Comments are closed.