On September 15, 1954, one of the most iconic moments in film history was captured on the streets of New York City—Marilyn Monroe’s famous skirt-blowing scene from The Seven Year Itch. This scene, where Monroe’s white dress billows up as she stands over a subway grate, has since become an indelible image in popular culture, symbolizing both the allure and vulnerability of the actress.
The scene was filmed at 1:00 a.m. on Lexington Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets in Manhattan. Directed by Billy Wilder, The Seven Year Itch was a romantic comedy that starred Monroe as “The Girl,” a character who becomes the object of desire for her neighbor, played by Tom Ewell. The film revolves around the theme of marital fidelity and the temptations that arise when one partner is away, with Monroe’s character serving as the ultimate temptation.
Wilder, known for his sharp wit and clever direction, envisioned the scene as a pivotal moment in the film, one that would both captivate audiences and showcase Monroe’s undeniable screen presence. However, the actual filming of the scene was far more complex than the final product might suggest. A crowd of around 2,000 spectators gathered to watch the shoot, with many fans and photographers eager to catch a glimpse of Monroe, who was already a major star by this time.
As the cameras rolled, Monroe stood over the subway grate, her white halter-neck dress, designed by William Travilla, gently blowing upwards as a train passed below. With each take, Monroe playfully attempted to push the dress down, her laughter and flirtatious expressions adding to the scene’s charm. The crowd’s reactions varied from cheers to gasps, with many unable to contain their excitement at the sight of the glamorous star.
However, the scene wasn’t without its challenges. The noise from the crowd made it difficult to capture usable audio, and the late hour meant that multiple takes were necessary to get the perfect shot. Additionally, Monroe’s then-husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, was reportedly displeased with the scene, feeling that it was too revealing. His discontent allegedly led to a heated argument between the couple, adding an element of real-life drama to the behind-the-scenes story.
Despite these challenges, the scene was completed, and when The Seven Year Itch was released in 1955, it became an instant hit. Monroe’s performance was praised, and the subway grate scene quickly became one of the most memorable moments in cinema history. The image of Monroe holding down her skirt as it billows around her legs was used extensively in the film’s marketing and has since been reproduced in countless forms, from posters to statues.
What makes this scene so enduring is not just Monroe’s beauty or the technical aspects of the shot, but the way it captures a moment of pure, spontaneous joy. Monroe’s laughter, her playful struggle with the dress, and the sheer audacity of filming such a provocative scene on the streets of New York all contribute to its lasting appeal. It’s a moment that encapsulates Monroe’s persona—her blend of innocence and sex appeal, her ability to captivate an audience, and her willingness to push boundaries.
Today, the skirt-blowing scene from The Seven Year Itch remains a defining image of Monroe’s career and a symbol of Hollywood’s golden age.
