MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration Comes to The Plaza
Featuring Film Society of Screwball Comedy, Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and Modern Men Chorus
In a special collaboration celebrating one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, the historic Plaza Theatre and the Film Society of Screwball Comedy are proud to present MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration, a one-of-a-kind cinematic event honoring Marilyn Monroe’s legacy. Taking place May 29 through June 1, this curated weekend of four iconic films transforms the Plaza into a destination for classic film lovers, pairing timeless storytelling with the communal magic of the big screen. The celebration is generously sponsored by the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and palmspringsplazatheatre.com. Individual tickets are $20 per film, or guests can purchase a $60 all-access pass to experience the full four-film series. Each screening will also feature a pre-show cocktail hour in the Plaza lobby, creating a festive and immersive experience worthy of Monroe’s legendary star power.
“This is exactly the kind of experience the Plaza Theatre was built for, bringing people together around iconic films in a way that feels both timeless and alive,” said John Bolton, SVP Oakview Group and GM Plaza Theatre. “Partnering with the Film Society of Screwball Comedy on MARILYN 100 allows us to celebrate Marilyn Monroe not just as a movie star, but as a cultural force, and to do it in a setting that elevates every moment of the experience from the screen to the shared energy in the room.”
MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration kicks off with The Seven Year Itch (1955). Join us on Friday, May 29 at 7:00 pm.
Starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell, The Seven Year Itch explores the hilarious temptations and fantasies of a middle-aged Manhattan man left alone for the summer, whose life is suddenly turned upside down by his glamorous upstairs neighbor. This witty, stylish film is famous for Monroe’s unforgettable performance and iconic moments that have captivated audiences for generations. Don’t miss the start of our celebration honoring Hollywood’s most luminous legend!
Step into a world of dazzling diamonds and hilarious hijinks at the MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration second screening: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Join us on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 pm for one of the icon’s most memorable on-screen moments. The evening kicks off with an inspired performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus, setting the stage for a night of glamour and laughter.
Starring Marilyn Monroe as the irresistible Lorelei Lee and Jane Russell as her witty best friend Dorothy Shaw, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes follows the two showgirls as they embark on a whirlwind adventure across the Atlantic. Their quest for love, fortune, and fun is filled with sparkling musical numbers and clever twists, making this film a showcase for Monroe’s iconic charm and comedic brilliance. Don’t miss the chance to experience this classic on the big screen with a lively audience, musical performance, and expert introduction!
Get ready for a riotous afternoon at the MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration third screening: Some Like It Hot (1959). Join us on Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 pm for this beloved comedy classic. Before the film, enjoy an uplifting musical performance by the Modern Men Chorus, setting the mood for an unforgettable event.
Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, Some Like It Hot follows two musicians who, after witnessing a crime, disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band. Their hilarious antics and quick-thinking lead to a series of comedic misadventures, with Monroe shining as the irresistible Sugar Kane. Experience the sparkling wit, clever twists, and dazzling performances that have made this film a timeless favorite—perfect for celebrating Hollywood’s most radiant star!
Grand Finale: The Misfits (1961)
Close out the MARILYN 100: A Centennial Film Celebration with a moving tribute, on her 100th birthday, for a special screening of The Misfits on Monday, June 1 at 7:00 pm. This unforgettable drama will cap off an extraordinary weekend honoring Monroe’s legacy.
Starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Clift, The Misfits bring together three Hollywood legends in a story of lost souls seeking connection on the sun-baked plains of Nevada. Monroe plays Roslyn, a gentle and disillusioned woman who finds herself drawn to a group of outsiders—an aging cowboy (Gable), a wounded rodeo rider (Clift), and a rugged mechanic (Eli Wallach). As their bonds deepen, the film reveals their shared longing for love and freedom.
The Misfits was written as a love letter to Marilyn Monroe by her husband, the acclaimed playwright Arthur Miller, and remains an emotionally resonant portrait of vulnerability and hope. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Monroe’s final, most poignant performance on the big screen and celebrate the timeless artistry that continues to inspire generations.
