The Subway Skirt Scene: Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and the Shattered Dream of Romance

One of the most notorious incidents in Marilyn Monroe's career was the infamous subway skirt scene. However, this incident was not simply a case of a wardrobe malfunction but a carefully planned scene that would have far-reaching consequences for both Marilyn Monroe and her relationship with Joe DiMaggio.

Publicity and Media Attention

The subway skirt scene was filmed in 1953, and it garnered massive media attention, catapulting Marilyn Monroe to the center of public fascination. The scene was a pivotal moment in her career, highlighting her talent as an actress and her appeal as a symbol of American glamour. However, the heightened public attention and scrutiny also brought immense pressure to bear on Monroe's personal life. Joe DiMaggio, who was known for his protective and traditional views, reportedly felt humiliated by the attention his wife was receiving.

DiMaggio's Reaction

Joe DiMaggio was deeply uncomfortable with Monroe's sexualized image and the excessive publicity surrounding her. After the scene was filmed, he expressed his disapproval, feeling that the role made Monroe appear in a way that was inappropriate for a wife. Additionally, DiMaggio wanted a wife who adhered to traditional expectations of femininity. These conflicting desires and expectations intensified existing tensions in their marriage, ultimately leading to its deterioration.

Strain on the Marriage

The wardrobe mishap symbolized the growing rift between Monroe's public persona and DiMaggio's desire for a more traditional lifestyle. Their marriage was already under strain due to Monroe's rising stardom and DiMaggio's issues with jealousy and control. The subway scene deepened their differences, amplifying the incompatibility of their values and lifestyles.

The Implications of the Wardrobe Mishap

The incident itself was a lighthearted moment in cinema, but its repercussions in Monroe's personal life and marriage were profound. The scene highlighted the complexities of fame and personal relationships, particularly when public and private expectations collide. This event became a pivotal moment that illustrated the incompatibility of their lifestyles and values.

It's important to note that the term "wardrobe malfunction" used to describe the incident is a mischaracterization. In reality, the scene was planned and carefully staged. It was filmed twice: first in New York and later in the studios, ensuring that it captured the desired public reaction. The scene was more than just a cinematic stunt; it was a turning point in Monroe's personal and professional life.

Joe DiMaggio had very different expectations for his wife. He wanted a traditional stay-at-home wife who dressed modestly and had dinner ready for him when he got home. He even expected her to drop her career now that they were married. Marilyn Monroe, however, had no such intentions. She not only had a career but was a star, and she wasn't planning to quit acting. Because of these differences, they were constantly fighting. The squabble over Monroe's showing so much leg in the scene, which was a very daring thing for a film at that time, may have been the final straw for their relationship.

The combination of Monroe's burgeoning fame, the media frenzy, and DiMaggio's discontent contributed to the couple's divorce, which was finalized in 1954, just nine months after they married.

Conclusion

The subway skirt scene remains a landmark moment in Monroe's career, but its impact on her personal life was both profound and tragic. The incident exposed the complexities of public and private life, the pressures of fame, and the challenges of navigating a relationship under such intense public scrutiny. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the incompatibility of certain cultural expectations and personal desires in the early 1950s American society.