Unseen Marilyn Monroe footage to go under the hammer

Melbourne, Sept 1 : Previously unreleased footage of screen legend Marilyn Monroe taken on the set of her 1959 movie, 'Some Like It Hot', is due to be auctioned.

The two-and-a-half-minute amateur clip, featuring the legendary star Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, was taken by a US naval officer in San Diego.

The officer shot the film when Monroe visited his base.

Later that day, he was invited by the actress to visit the nearby movie set at the Hotel Del Coronado.

The sailor's daughter migrated to Australia and brought the 8mm film with her.

The footage is to go under the hammer in Melbourne later this month.

Charles Leski, of Leski Auctions, said that the footage shows Monroe surrounded by sailors.

It then cuts to scenes on the movie shoot, which shows Monroe rehearsing for an upcoming scene with Curtis, with crewmembers and extras watching her.

The sailor's daughter discovered the film, which is still in its original Kodak box, by chance among her late father's possessions.

"Marilyn Monroe memorabilia is always in demand, but rarely do we get one-off material like this," News.com.au quoted Leskie, as saying.

"It is also extremely rare for such important archival footage to be auctioned outside of the US before its domestic release, and for that we are extremely proud," Leskie added.

The footage has a pre-sale estimate of 20,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds and the lot includes a CD copy and a DVD copy together with the original 8mm film.

The purchaser of the film also acquires full commercial rights worldwide.

ANI