Lady Be Good

MARILYN MONROE as ROSLYN TABER in THE MISFITS (1961)

Pickup on South Street was released on 27 May 1953.

Samuel Fuller wrote a script based on his experiences as a crime reporter, which he initially called Pickpocket, but the title was rejected by producer Darryl F. Zanuck as “too European.” The initial script was also rejected by the Production Code office for “excessive brutality and sadistic beatings, of both men and women.” Fuller would eventually shoot different takes of some of the scenes, in hopes of getting some of the original material in the final film.

Fuller rejected a number of better-known actors, including Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, and Shelly Winters, for being “too glamorous.” Betty Grable was offered the part but insisted on a dance number. When Fuller cast Jean Peters, Grable threatened to “cause problems.” Fuller threatened to walk off the production and got his way.

Pickup on South Street received mixed reviews when it was first released, but was a box office success, and Thelma Ritter was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the film received the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Bonus:

Pre-Code Pups

Red-Headed Woman (1932)

Ladies They Talk About (1933)

Night Nurse (1931)

Shanghai Express (1932)

Ex-Lady (1933)

Ladies They Talk About (1933)

Red-Headed Woman (1932)

Behold, King Stefan's castle. And in yonder topmost tower, dreaming of her true love, the Princess Aurora. But see the gracious whim of fate. Why, 'tis the selfsame peasant maid who won the heart of our noble prince but yesterday. She is indeed most wondrous fair, gold of sunshine in her hair, lips that shame the red, red rose. ageless sleep, she finds repose. The years roll by. But a hundred years, to a steadfast heart, are but a day. And now, the gates of a dungeon part and our prince is free to go his way. Off he rides on his noble steed,a valiant figure, straight and tall- to wake his love with "love's first kiss"...and prove that "true love" conquers all!