Who was Marilyn? The most potent female sex symbol of the Twentieth Century? A superb comedic actress who was let down by poor material? An actress who failed to be taken seriously by most of the people who should have protected her? A woman who was used and abused by the men in her life including some of the most powerful on earth? Or a dizzy blonde with a great body who got lucky at the right time and in the right place?

Born in Hollywood, albeit on the wrong side of the tracks, the young Marilyn had everything stacked against her. Yet she struggled against the adversity and became the most popular actress in the world. Marilyn became a star because of one film in which she co-starred with one of the great wonders of nature. The skin tight red dress and the wiggle in her walk didn't harm her prospects either. After Niagara the public loved her and followed her every move - two failed marriages, repeated miscarriages, battles with Twentieth Century Fox, classic films The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot - right up to the horrible, tragic end.

So what's in this Pocket Essential? As well as an introductory essay, each of Marilyn's films is reviewed and analysed. Not only that, but there's a handy reference section listing the best of the far weightier (and more expensive) books about her.