Contrary to popular opinion, Marilyn Monroe was not a stupid person. The roles she played in films were just that, pictures on the big screen that did not portray who she really was. She could also act quite well when given a chance, she simply chose to do films that would further her career and her image faster than a film such as this one would. Yet, when she wanted to, Monroe would prove she had what it takes to do serious drama and Don’t Bother to Knock is a fine example of that. This film would also be one of the first to feature her in a leading role and any doubts the studio might have had as to her capabilities were soon quashed. It would not only quiet the studio, but also her own fears that maybe she was not ready to lead a film. Suffice it to say; though the film was not a massive hit, it proved that Monroe was not just something to look at, that underneath the beauty, there was talent as well.

This film sees Monroe play a girl named Nell who is emotionally damaged. Opposite her is Richard Widmark, a man who is emotionally cut off from the rest of the world, or at least that is according to the woman he loves played by Anne Bancroft. The whole of the film takes place in a hotel where Bancroft’s character Lyn works and where Nell has come to babysit. Soon, Nell and Jed, the character Widmark plays, come into contact and what seems fairly normal at first, turns strange as Jed realizes that there is something wrong with Nell and that maybe she could use some help.

While there is some tension and a little suspense, it is stretched thin and the pace of the film is a slow one. It takes a long time to get where it is going and while drama and dramatic tension are good, they have to be used in a way so as not to bore the viewer. Now the film is not so much as boring as overly long. It was good and it held your interest, but that was mainly due to Widmark’s brooding and Monroe’s display of vulnerability and mental instability. With any lesser actors, the film may not have worked as well as it did. Widmark has always been a great actor. The man has a face that can express feelings and moods like nobody’s business, especially when he is playing the tortured type of character like he is here. For her part, Monroe delivers an extremely solid performance and it turns out to be one of the best of her career. Usually she plays roles that are considered light and fluffy, but here her character has depth and layers not normally associated with the actress. Suffice it to say, it is hard to tear your eyes away from her in this film and for reasons completely different than the obvious.

Don’t Bother to Knock might start off innocently enough, but soon enough things change and it becomes emotionally charged as the revelations about Nell start to manifest. In fact, everyone in this picture is damaged in some way, whether it is the two leads, Jed’s girlfriend Lyn or even Nell’s uncle played by Elisha Cook Jr. The only people we meet who seem to be okay are the parents of the little girl and Bunny herself and that is only for the fact that they are essentially background characters. The film might sound like it is a heavy one at first, yet when you compare it to other films like A Place in the Sun or even Monroe’s later effort The Misfits, this one sort of pales in comparison. Still, you can empathize with the characters and it is entertaining as a whole and well worth a watch as Widmark is on top of his game and a young Monroe shows that she has what it takes for the first time.

3.5 out of 5