Marilyn Monroe Film Sells at Auction, Elton John Brooch Does Not

In Australia this week, an amateur film of Marilyn Monroe fetched a cool $16,000 at Leski’s Auction. The short two and a half minute film showed Monroe while on the set of the movie Some Like it Hot. The film was shot by a friend of the actress and also showed Tony Curtis and Billy Wilder who co-starred in that 1959 picture. Marilyn Monroe memorabilia is a hot commodity and very sought after. This is the second homemade film of the actress that has surfaced this year. The other film showing Monroe engaged in a sex act with an unknown man sold at auction for more than $1.5 million.

Meanwhile, a sapphire and diamond brooch belonging to singer Elton John failed to sell at an auction in England. Valued at close to $25,000, the art deco brooch which is shaped like a “J” was worn by the Sir Elton in his music video titled, I Don’t Wanna Go Out With You Like That, in 1988. In published reports before the auction, Bonham’s reportedly said that they were not worried about economic conditions for this sale because, “Diamonds have an enduring appeal.” After the brooch failed to sell, other reports on the Internet said that auction bosses blamed the current turbulent economic climate.

James Brown Memorabilia Auctioned Off

Some of the belongings of The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, went on the auction block last week and brought in just over $850,000. More than 300 memorabilia items were sold by Christie’s of New York. Aside from his infamous jumpsuits and capes there were many other personal mementos available for purchase including a medical bracelet worn by Brown. Paul Shaffer of the Late Show with David Letterman won the bracelet with a bid of more than $32,500. Some of his satin capes went for more than $35,000.

James Joseph Brown who had the distinction of many titles, including The Godfather of Soul was also known as the Hardest Working Man in Show Business. He was born in Barnwell, South Carolina. His professional career began in 1953 and he quickly ascended the popular music charts to become one of the most influential figures of the genre with hit songs like “Papas Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good).” James Brown died at in 2006 at the age of 73 but the mystique of this legendary performer will live on through his music and now through his memorabilia as well.