Review of Bus Stop (1956) by Brandon W — 09 Mar 2011

Bus Stop is a somewhat entertaining hillybilly love story between Beau, a stubborn, romantically-inexperienced cowboy in town for the rodeo, and Cherie, a showgirl he meets along the way. Love is a foreign concept to Beau, so when he finally finds it, he comes on a little strong, demanding her hand in marriage within twenty four hours.

Strangely enough, what makes this classic painful to watch is also the same thing that makes it somewhat watchable. That thing is Marilyn Monroe. I love Monroe, I really do. She was great in her minor role in All About Eve, and she may very well have been the best thing about Some Like It Hot, but it seems evident to me that her acting abilities are (were?) very limited, especially when she attempts to stray away from her ditzy blonde routine. I could tell that she tried hard, but she just couldn't handle that southern accent. However, despite her slightly irritating performance, some how she's still likeable. I think she's the only person that can make an intolerable performance... tolerable.

The story itself is only mildly interesting. It has its moments, but for the most part it's melodramatic and predictable. The direction and script are both decent, but not anything to write home about. Bus Stop passes as light entertainment, but isn't anything I'd want to rewatch again. It certainly isn't essential viewing unless you're a diehard Marilyn Monroe fan.