Niagara

Henry Hathaway plays on two iconic images: the iridescent spray of Niagara Falls, the perfect and symbolic setting for this story of adultery, and Marilyn Monroe, the deceptively naive seductress. The marital melodrama transforms into a murderous one, the picture-postcard America is shattered, and Niagara, with its sumptuous Technicolour images establishes Monroe in the pantheon of stars.

Monroe’s dangerously sensual performance—one look, one step, one move in a bright pink dress spoke volumes—would leave an indelible mark on film audiences, and would help change the fortunes of an industry beset by the threat of television and declining theater attendance.