Bus Stop

Bo, an unworldly cowboy, takes a long-haul bus to Arizona to enter a rodeo. When saloon singer Chérie catches his eye, he is determined to marry her, but things don’t quite go to plan. Bus Stop was the first film Monroe made under a newly negotiated contract for more serious parts, and Chérie was a meaty role offering new challenges: an Ozark accent, singing off-key, and playing a character with unglamorous outfits and unflattering make-up. Monroe rises to the occasion and the fruits of her studies at the Actors Studio emerge. The film’s themes may have dated, but Monroe’s performance is unfading.

The screening of Bus Stop on Monday 6 July will include an introduction.