Marilyn Monroe’s Last Movie Scene Is Taking Over Social Media—Here’s Why Fans Are Obsessed

More than six decades after it was filmed, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pool scene from the unfinished 1962 film Something’s Got to Give is experiencing a resurgence on social media. Clips and images of Monroe’s final on-screen performance have gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), with fans marveling at her enduring beauty, charisma, and ahead-of-her-time boldness.

The scene, in which Monroe’s character swims nude in a backyard pool, was groundbreaking for its era and remains one of her most discussed moments in Hollywood history. Fans across generations are now rediscovering this unfinished cinematic treasure, expressing admiration for Monroe’s presence and reflecting on the legacy she left behind.

Marilyn Monroe – Something's
Got to Give 1962. "Pool Scene" pic.twitter.com/NqiADJOu3Q

— History 𝕏 (@pasthistoryx) February 7, 2025

The Story Behind Something’s Got to Give

Something’s Got to Give was intended to be a romantic comedy directed by George Cukor, starring Monroe alongside Dean Martin and Cyd Charisse. The film followed Ellen Arden (Monroe), a woman presumed dead after being lost at sea for five years, who returns home to find her husband has remarried.

The production of the film, however, was plagued with difficulties. Monroe’s frequent absences from set due to illness led to her being fired in June 1962. Though she was later rehired after Dean Martin refused to work with anyone else, the film never reached completion. Monroe passed away just two months later, in August 1962, making Something’s Got to Give her last project.

The Controversial Pool Scene

One of the most discussed elements of the film was Monroe’s pool scene, where she became the first major Hollywood actress to appear nude in a mainstream studio production. At the time, this was a daring move that challenged the norms of 1960s cinema.

Photographer Lawrence Schiller, who was on set during filming, later revealed that Monroe herself suggested the provocative moment. He recalled her saying, “Larry, what would happen if I jumped in the swimming pool with the bathing suit on, but I came [out] with nothing on?” Monroe understood the impact this scene could have, not only on the film’s success but on her public image as well.

Social Media’s Renewed Fascination

In recent weeks, X users have been sharing clips and photos from Monroe’s famous scene, reigniting interest in both the film and the actress’s legacy. Many fans have expressed sadness over Monroe’s untimely death and speculated on how Hollywood might have evolved if she had lived longer.

One user tweeted, “I’ve always wondered how the rest of the 60s would have unfolded with Marilyn in it.” Another commented, “She was way ahead of her time. Pity how her life ended.”

Others highlighted the scene’s timeless quality, with one tweet reading, “Oh, that iconic pool scene! Marilyn certainly knew how to make a splash, didn’t she?” Another fan celebrated the era of classic Hollywood, saying, “This music, this image, this game, this fashion… I love movies from this era. They are amazing.”

Monroe’s Lasting Influence on Cinema

The continued fascination with Marilyn Monroe’s work, especially unfinished projects like Something’s Got to Give, is a testament to her unparalleled influence in Hollywood. Despite her personal struggles and tragic death, her performances continue to captivate audiences, proving that her star power has never faded.

Monroe’s willingness to push boundaries in cinema, combined with her natural screen presence, set the stage for future actresses to take on bold and complex roles. As social media rediscovery introduces her work to new generations, her status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons remains firmly intact.

For those interested in revisiting this unforgettable moment in film history, rare, raw footage of Marilyn Monroe’s Something’s Got to Give pool scene can be viewed here.