The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes

Anthony Summers begins his investigation into Marilyn Monroe's life and death after learning that the Los Angeles County District Attorney is reopening her case. Over the course of three years, he collects extensive interviews with individuals connected to Monroe, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of her legacy.

In 1946, a young Marilyn Monroe is captivated by the film industry, which marks the start of her acting career. Al Rosen, her early agent, notes that Monroe had numerous affairs with influential men as she navigated the casting process, adopting the prevalent expectation that sexual favors could secure movie roles.

Monroe frequently visits Romanoff's restaurant to network with agents. It is here that she meets Johnny Hyde, a much older man who leaves his wife and devotes the remaining months of his life to supporting her career and ambitions.

John Huston, a renowned director, introduces Monroe to Hollywood staples that elevate her career after Johnny Hyde's mentorship. Monroe's talent and charm begin to captivate audiences, leading to prominent roles in significant films.

Despite her rising fame, Monroe grapples with severe mental health issues, much of which stem from a tumultuous childhood spent in foster care and an orphanage. This troubled background contributes to her struggles with depression and paranoia, deeply affecting her personal relationships.

In 1954, Monroe marries baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Their honeymoon in Japan becomes complicated as she makes an unexpected trip to Korea to entertain U.S. troops, but Joe's jealousy and controlling nature create tension in their marriage.

While filming 'The Seven Year Itch' in 1955, a scene featuring Monroe standing over a subway grate causes a media frenzy when thousands gather to watch. This infamous moment exacerbates tensions with DiMaggio, leading to conflict and ultimately to their divorce after just nine months.

Monroe's relationship with playwright Arthur Miller begins in 1956, marking a significant shift in her life. She relocates to the East Coast to study acting and strive for more serious roles, yet their marriage soon reveals cracks as Monroe learns of Miller's derogatory notes about her.

As Monroe's marriage to Miller deteriorates and her drug abuse escalates, both she and Miller are placed under FBI surveillance due to their connections with alleged communists. This scrutiny intensifies the pressures on Monroe during a tumultuous time.

Rumors abound regarding Monroe's affairs with John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert. These relationships, which begin in the early 1950s, position Monroe in a web of political intrigue, further complicating her already challenging life.

On August 4, 1962, Monroe dies under mysterious circumstances, leading to a flurry of investigations. Eunice Murray, her housekeeper, discovers her unresponsive, prompting a sequence of events that leads to the official ruling of probable suicide from an overdose.

In the aftermath of Monroe's death, various conflicting accounts emerge, raising questions about the official timeline. Some witness reports suggest she may have died earlier, amidst whispers of cover-ups linked to her connections with the Kennedy family.

Anthony Summers, after thorough research and interviews, presents the idea that Monroe did not die due to foul play but rather by suicide or an accidental overdose. He highlights the myriad of pressures on her, stemming from fame and her relationships with high-profile men.

In 1982, the Los Angeles District Attorney concludes its investigation into Monroe's death, endorsing the original cause of death as an overdose. This final statement reinforces the longstanding theories surrounding her tragic end.