STORYLINE
An anthology consisting of adaptations of five stories by one of America’s premier writers,
O. Henry’s Full House utilized the talents of many of Fox’s best actors and craftsmen. Each story featured a different cast and was written, directed and photographed by a different crew.
Marilyn starred in the first segment, entitled “The Cop and the Anthem”. The story follows the antics of an aristocratic bum named Soapy (Charles Laughton). With winter about to set in, Soapy settles into his seasonal routine of trying to get arrested so that he can trade the cold outdoors for a cozy home behind bars. This year, however, no matter how hard he tries, his petty crimes do not interest the police. One of his ploys involves accosting a young woman in the hopes that she will scream for help. But, the woman turns out to be a street-walker. Soapy runs away and the streetwalker is arrested for soliciting. Seeking refuge inside a church, the old bum gets religion and resolves to find decent employment for the first time in his life. But Soapy just cannot win. His good intentions are thwarted when he is arrested for loitering and sentenced to 90 days in jail.
BEHIND THE SCENES
O. Henry’s Full House was the last Fox project to feature Marilyn in a secondary role. It was also the last time that the studio could get away with casting her in such a part – a meaningless walk-on as a prostitute. The part was neither colorful nor comic; nor was it featured in a high-profile film. Clearly the executives at Fox were determined to cash in on her name as much as they could. To this end, publicity material for the film supplied to exhibitors attempted to reassure them that, even though “naturally, Miss Monroe is more at home in a bathing suit”, she nevertheless “shows her shape in
O. Henry’s Full House…only through two bustles. This is Miss Monroe’s first involvement with period costume and those who have seen the picture report she meets the challenge nobly”. And who might this be referring to? The Twentieth Century-Fox accountants?
Marilyn’s Episode of O. Henry’s Full House
“The Cop and the Anthem” - directed by Henry Koster – screenplay by Lamar Trotti – photographed by Lloyd Ahern.
Remaining Episodes
“The Clarion Call” - starring Richard Widmark and directed by Henry Hathaway.
“The Last Leaf” – starring Anne Baxter and Jean Peters and directed by Jean Negulesco.
“The Ransom of Red Chief” – starring Fred Allan and directed by Howard Hawks.
“The Gift of the Magi” – starring Jeanne Crain and directed by Henry King.
