The Misfits Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of sad cowboys and a confused blonde chase wild horses to make dog food, then everyone has feelings.

🍿 The Misfits: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Divorce and New Beginnings in Reno

Roslyn Taber (Marilyn Monroe) arrives in Reno, Nevada, seeking a divorce from her neglectful husband, Raymond. She befriends Isabelle Steers (Thelma Ritter), who introduces her to the world of quickie divorces and the transient lifestyle of the city. Roslyn, sensitive and emotionally vulnerable, expresses a desire for independence and a fresh start.

Encounters with Cowboys and a Widower

Roslyn meets Guido (Eli Wallach), a tow truck driver and widower, who is immediately smitten with her. He introduces her to Gay Langland (Clark Gable), an aging cowboy clinging to a fading way of life. Roslyn and Isabelle are invited to Guido’s unfinished house in the countryside, where Roslyn begins to develop a connection with Gay.

Mustanging and Moral Conflict

As Roslyn and Gay’s relationship deepens, they move into Guido’s house. The trio, later joined by Perce Howland (Montgomery Clift), a down-on-his-luck rodeo rider, plan a mustanging venture to capture wild horses for profit. Roslyn’s growing horror at the fate of the mustangs – to be sold for dog food – creates a moral conflict within her and strains her relationship with Gay.

The Rodeo and Fractured Connections

The group attends a rodeo in Dayton, Nevada, where Roslyn witnesses the brutal treatment of the animals and Perce suffers injuries, further fueling her disillusionment. Gay’s attempts to reconnect with his estranged children fall flat, deepening his own sense of loneliness and fading relevance. Roslyn’s empathy clashes with the cowboys’ pragmatic view of animals as commodities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gay Langland (Clark Gable): An aging, divorced cowboy clinging to a fading way of life in the modernizing West.
• Roslyn Taber (Marilyn Monroe): A newly divorced woman seeking meaning and connection in the vast landscapes of Nevada.
• Perce Howland (Montgomery Clift): A perpetually injured and emotionally scarred rodeo rider searching for belonging and escape from his past.
• Guido Delinni (Eli Wallach): A widowed mechanic haunted by loss and yearning for companionship, often making misguided attempts to win Roslyn’s affection.
• Isabelle Steers (Thelma Ritter): Roslyn’s wise and pragmatic friend, offering sardonic advice based on her own experiences with divorce and cowboys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gay: “Honey, we all got to go sometime, reason or no reason. Dyin’s as natural as livin’. The man who’s too afraid to die is too afraid to live.” – Gay shares his philosophy on life and death, emphasizing the importance of embracing life despite its inevitable end.
• Roslyn: “You have to get something to be human?” – Roslyn expresses her disgust and disappointment when Guido implies he needs a reward to act humanely towards the horses.
• Roslyn: “Horse killers! Killers! Murderers!” – Roslyn unleashes her anger and accuses the men of being heartless and destructive after discovering their plans for the captured mustangs.
• Gay: “Better than wages, ain’t it?” – Gay’s recurring phrase to describe his lifestyle and independence, even when faced with hardship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $217

💥 The Misfits Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Misfits’ to be a haunting film. Knowing it was Gable and Monroe’s last, and watching their characters struggle with a changing world, really hit me. The scene where Marilyn’s character breaks down over the horses being captured was incredibly powerful and moving.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Westerns with a contemporary twist”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Admirers of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Montgomery Clift”
  • “Individuals interested in films exploring themes of loneliness and societal change”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes of divorce and disillusionment”
  • “Animal cruelty (capture of wild horses)”
  • “Alcohol use and depictions of drunkenness”
  • “Some thematic elements may be emotionally distressing”

Professional Reviews

• Gold Derby: “Marilyn Monroe’s performance in The Misfits is a standout, showcasing her dramatic abilities and liberating her from comedic roles.
• Bloody Disgusting: “This once nearly forgotten movie, the last film of Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe is now coming forward in the lexicon of film history as an underrated gem.
• imdb.com: “A one of a kind film experience which has taken on even more depth with our hindsight into the lives of its creators.

Audience Reactions

The raw emotion and authentic struggles of the characters deeply resonated with viewers.: Most agreed that the stellar cast delivered powerful performances, making the film an unforgettable experience.

Overall Consensus: A poignant, character-driven drama elevated by the tragic circumstances surrounding its stars, making it a must-see for cinephiles.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the last completed film for both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. Gable died of a heart attack shortly after filming wrapped, and Monroe died less than two years later.”
• “Arthur Miller wrote the screenplay as a ‘valentine’ to his then-wife, Marilyn Monroe, but their marriage was disintegrating during production. This personal turmoil is reflected in the film’s themes of disillusionment and broken relationships.”
• “The filming was plagued by delays and difficulties, largely due to Monroe’s emotional and physical health issues. She often arrived late to set, and production was temporarily shut down for her to undergo hospitalization.”
• “Clark Gable insisted on performing many of his own stunts, including the horse-roping scenes, despite his age and health concerns. This physical exertion is believed to have contributed to his fatal heart attack.”
• “The movie’s title reflects not just the wild mustangs they hunt but also the main characters who don’t fit in or have a place for themselves in the modern world.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Misfits?

Currently, The Misfits is available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast options or streaming availability on subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Misfits, you might like these similar films:

• Lonely Are the Brave (1962): Similar themes of a modern-day cowboy struggling to maintain his independent lifestyle in a changing world.
• Hud (1963): Explores the conflict between traditional values and modern pragmatism in the American West, with a focus on characters struggling to adapt.
• The Last Picture Show (1971): A coming-of-age story set in a dying Texas town, capturing a sense of loss and disillusionment with the changing American landscape.
• Nomadland (2020): A modern film about people living on the fringes of society and struggling to find purpose and connection in a rapidly changing world.

🛒 The Misfits Related Products

• The Misfits (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition from The Criterion Collection, offering enhanced picture and sound, plus bonus features like documentaries and interviews.
• Marilyn Monroe: The Iconic Collection (Blu-ray): A Blu-ray collection featuring several of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic films, offering a great overview of her career and talent.
• Clark Gable: King of Hollywood – The Essential Collection: A collection showcasing some of Clark Gable’s best movies, highlighting his enduring charisma and acting prowess.
• The Misfits Movie Poster Print: A high-quality poster print of The Misfits movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery and vintage aesthetic.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Misfits features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Alex North
• “Rooftop” – performed by Alex North

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Misfits 1961 film directed by John Huston #marilynmonroe

Want a super quick taste of ‘The Misfits’ with the iconic Marilyn Monroe? This 19-second clip gives you a fast-paced peek at the movie—totally worth it if you’re curious but short on time!

Marilyn Monroe in ‘The Misfits’ (1961)

Ever wondered if Marilyn Monroe could nail a serious role? This scene from ‘The Misfits’ shows her trying to break out of her blonde stereotype – pretty powerful stuff, give it a look!

Marilyn Monroe- The Misfits (Table Scene) 1961

Check out this scene between Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in ‘The Misfits’! It’s a raw, honest moment about life experiences, and their connection is amazing—you’ve gotta see it.

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