19th May 1962: Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to President John F. Kennedy скачать в хорошем качестве

19th May 1962: Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to President John F. Kennedy

Ten days ahead of Kennedy’s forty-fifth birthday, the Democratic Party staged a star-studded fundraising gala at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Staged and produced by Broadway composer and lyricist Richard Adler, the show was hosted by Kennedy’s brother-in-law Peter Lawford and featured performances by numerous celebrities including Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin and Maria Callas. Marilyn Monroe, who was due to be filming the motion picture Something’s Got to Give for 20th Century Fox, had been suffering from chronic sinusitis and bronchitis that began to put the production behind schedule. There is conflicting evidence about whether Fox executives gave permission for her to attend the political fundraiser or if they demanded she cancel her appearance. Throughout the evening Lawford played on Monroe’s reputation for being late to build anticipation to fever-pitch. When she shimmied across the stage and removed her fur coat to reveal a figure-hugging, flesh-colored gown covered with more than 2,500 rhinestones, the room erupted. Designed by French-born costume designer Jean Louis the dress sold for $4.8 million in 2016. Monroe performed a restrained and breathy version of “Happy Birthday”, before segueing into an adapted version of “Thanks for the Memory” that celebrated Kennedy’s political achievements. She was on stage for barely two minutes, and was followed by the President himself alongside an enormous birthday cake. Kennedy joked that he could ‘retire after having had “Happy Birthday” sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.’