Unique new colorized photos of Marilyn Monroe in her first photoshoot

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Sat Jan 1, 2022

Marilyn Monroe's first photoshoot was to publicize the new Douglas DC-6 for the Douglas Aircraft Company in late 1945. In 1942 Marilyn Monroe, who was born Norma Jeane Mortenson (later changed to Baker) on June 1, 1926, married a 21-year-old employee of the Douglas Aircraft Company James Dougherty. This led Marilyn to secure the photoshoot assignment which showed her on the cover (below) of the Douglas "Airview" staff and customer magazine. These unique black and white pictures of the photoshoot in the DC-6 cabin mockup were given to AirlineRatings.com by a retired Douglas engineer and have been colored by Frenchman Benoit Vienne. In 2013 in a special poll, Marilyn Monroe was voted the world's most glamorous flight attendant. In a survey of 1000 people conducted by American Airlines in the UK, Marilyn Monroe was selected as the first-choice fantasy flight attendant from the golden era of film with 22 percent of the overall vote. Audrey Hepburn was the second choice with 20 percent. The survey was conducted to launch American Airlines’ new B777-300ER aircraft on the route from London (Heathrow) to Hollywood (LAX). Here are the colorized pictures:  

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR
Airline News

Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR

Apr 14, 2026

Josh Wood
World's Busiest Airports
Airline News

World's Busiest Airports

Apr 14, 2026

Airline Ratings
Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots
Airline News

Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots

Apr 13, 2026

Josh Wood
These airlines have the world’s most cramped economy cabins
Airline News

These airlines have the world’s most cramped economy cabins

Apr 9, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
World's Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings
Airline News

World's Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots
Airline News

Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots

Apr 13, 2026

Josh Wood
World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026
Airline News

World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
Why Air Europa's economy product should not be forgotten
Airline Ratings review

Why Air Europa's economy product should not be forgotten

Mar 25, 2026

Josh Wood