Unseen Monroe reels go to auction

By Rajesh Mirchandani
BBC News, Los Angeles

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A clip of the behind-the-scenes footage

Previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage of Marilyn Monroe's last film is to be auctioned in the US.

The reels, shot by an extra on the set of the last film she completed, 1961's The Misfits, are expected to fetch up to $20,000 (£10,000).

The two reels of silent 8mm colour film show images never before seen publicly.

Monroe looks relaxed and playful, having her hair done, chatting with crew and actors or just walking around clutching a coffee mug.

Yet for a screen icon whose every move has been scrutinised, such unseen footage is unique. One collector said it showed the real Marilyn.

The footage is all the more startling because it also shows her co-star Clark Gable - who died soon after finishing work on The Misfits.

Now, the 47 minutes of backstage activity could fetch up to $20,000 (£10,000) at auction in Las Vegas this weekend.

And then this brief glimpse into movie history could disappear from public view forever.