Exploring the Impact of Scandal on Marilyn Monroe's Career in Don't Bother to Knock

In 1952, Marilyn Monroe starred in 'Don't Bother to Knock' as a nineteenth-century street walker. That year, she solidified her reputation as a new sex symbol with various publicity stunts, including wearing a revealing dress as the Grand Marshal at the Miss America Pageant parade and telling gossip columnist Earl Wilson that she usually wore no underwear. By the end of the year, gossip columnist Florabel Muir named Monroe the 'it girl' of 1952. During this period, Monroe gained a reputation for being difficult to work with, often being late or not showing up at all, forgetting her lines, and demanding several re-takes. Her dependence on acting coaches Natasha Lytess and Paula Strasberg irritated directors. Monroe's issues were attributed to perfectionism, low self-esteem, and stage fright. To alleviate her anxiety and chronic insomnia, she began using barbiturates, amphetamines, and alcohol, which exacerbated her problems, although she did not become severely addicted until 1956. Some of her behavior was also a response to the condescension and sexism of her male co-stars and directors. Biographer Lois Banner noted that she was bullied by many of her directors.