Niagara (1953)
Niagara Falls and Marilyn Monroe, enough said. Fantastic setting with plenty of use of the beautiful location, delivering more than just scenery as it falls naturally into the narrative. Admittedly Monroe is more looks than acting capability here, but then Jean Peters makes up for it as she was the most interesting and fully fledged character. And arguably the true main character along with Joseph Cotten who plays Monroe’s husband. Interestingly to see how Monroe is clearly depicted as the ultimate sex symbol, and when Max Showalter - playing the husband to Peters - tries to (literally) picture Peters like that, she isn’t willingly playing along. Mirroring Peters’ real acting career choices as well. Monroe may get top billing and the immediate eye catching look, but I end up falling for Peters and her down to earth persona, her intelligence and genuine empathy where others were too occupied.
Rating: 3.5