BUS STOP (1956) - ♦♦♦

Directed by - Joshua Logan

Written by - George Axelrod (based on the play by William Inge)

Starring - Marilyn Monroe, Don Murray

"A saloon singer attracts the attentions of a young obnoxious rodeo man who has his mind set upon marrying her against her wishes. 

Despite its quirkiest elements, most of which originate from its characters' eccentricities, there is nothing particularly invigorating or original about the story of BUS STOP, which was based on a play by WILLIAM INGE but written in a rather standard and conventional way. JOSHUA LOGAN's directing does nothing to elevate its standards from a mostly dumb brained romantic comedy, with its auto-piloted staleness. 

What BUS STOP successfully does, however, is give MARILYN MONROE to prove once and for all her skills as a legitimately talented comedienne. Her charisma is enough to make the viewing experience worthwhile, as is her timing and radiant presence in one of her liveliest performances ever."

Romantic Comedy, USA