Before Marilyn Monroe became a global icon and one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends, she was a fresh face in the film industry—full of promise, charm, and ambition. One of the earliest signs of her stardom came in Ladies of the Chorus (1948), a modest musical comedy that has since become a cherished gem for fans of Monroe’s early career.
Directed by Phil Karlson, Ladies of the Chorus tells the story of Peggy Martin, a young and determined chorus girl navigating the challenges of life and love in the world of burlesque. Marilyn Monroe plays Peggy’s spirited daughter, who dreams of rising from the chorus line to center stage. While the film itself didn’t make a major splash at the time of release, Monroe’s performance stood out—showcasing her playful screen presence and natural magnetism.
In the role, Monroe was both sweet and sassy, offering early glimpses of the charisma that would come to define her career. She performed two musical numbers, including “Anyone Can See I Love You” and “Every Baby Needs a Da Da Daddy,” songs that revealed her growing confidence as both an actress and a performer. Though her role was not the lead, she brought warmth and vivacity that left a lasting impression on audiences and studio executives alike.
Ladies of the Chorus may not hold the blockbuster status of Monroe’s later films like Some Like It Hot or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but it occupies a pivotal place in her journey. It was one of the first times the world saw Marilyn not just as a pretty face, but as a rising star with real on-screen presence. The film laid the groundwork for the unforgettable career that would follow and remains a testament to her beginnings in Hollywood.
For fans and historians alike, Ladies of the Chorus offers a nostalgic look at a moment when Monroe’s light was just beginning to shine—an early chapter in the story of a woman who would go on to become a symbol of beauty, complexity, and cultural impact.