Bus Stop (1956)

90% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(7,412 ratings)

In this cinemadaptation of William Inge's Broadway comedy Bus Stop, Marilyn Monroe is cast as Cherie, a fifth-rate nightclub chanteuse who captures the heart of Montana rodeo champ Bo (Don Murray). He, in turn, kidnaps Cherie and bundles her off to the roadside bus stop of the title. Gradually, the… More In this cinemadaptation of William Inge's Broadway comedy Bus Stop, Marilyn Monroe is cast as Cherie, a fifth-rate nightclub chanteuse who captures the heart of Montana rodeo champ Bo (Don Murray). He, in turn, kidnaps Cherie and bundles her off to the roadside bus stop of the title. Gradually, the headstrong Bo learns that you can't rope a gal the same way you lasso a steer, but before this happens his face is rearranged by gallant bus driver Carl (Robert Bray). By this time, however, Cherie has fallen in love with her impulsive but basically good-hearted abductor. Others in the cast include Arthur O'Connell as Bo's level-headed travelling companion and "protector" Virgil, Betty Field as down-to-earth bus stop proprietress Grace, and Eileen Heckart as Cherie's confidante Vera. The film later inspired a 1961 TV series. A few TV prints of Bus Stop still exist bearing the alternate title Wrong Kind of Girl. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Joshua Logan
Written By: George Axelrod
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 31, 1956 Wide
On DVD: May 14, 2002

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
The Taming of the Shrew appears oddly depressing when re-imagined as a mid-century hick minstrel show
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
A dramatic departure for Marilyn Monroe, who broadens her acting chops in the role of singer Cherrie.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Bus Stop is heavy with the corn syrup and plays today as a relic from a less-evolved epoch, but it works, largely because of Monroe.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though Don Murray is the only actor to get an Oscar nod, the main reason to see Joshua Logan's serio comedy, based on Inge's play, is Marilyn Monroe, who shines as the country girl with big Hollywood aspirations.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Moody and realistic, maybe Monroe's best
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Monroe has the courage to make Cherie a far less talented performer than Monroe was herself.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
Logan's impressive Cinemascope work captures the pathos of the story rather than just the furniture and landscapes.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Brandon W

Bus Stop is a somewhat entertaining hillybilly love story between Beau, a stubborn, romantically-inexperienced cowboy in town for the rodeo, and Cherie, a showgirl he meets along the way. Love is a foreign concept to Beau, so when he finally finds it, he comes on a little strong,… More
Bus Stop is a somewhat entertaining hillybilly love story between Beau, a stubborn, romantically-inexperienced cowboy in town for the rodeo, and Cherie, a showgirl he meets along the way. Love is a foreign concept to Beau, so when he finally finds it, he comes on a little strong, demanding her hand in marriage within twenty four hours. Strangely enough, what makes this classic painful to watch is also the same thing that makes it somewhat watchable. That thing is Marilyn Monroe. I love Monroe, I really do. She was great in her minor role in All About Eve, and she may very well have been the best thing about Some Like It Hot, but it seems evident to me that her acting abilities are (were?) very limited, especially when she attempts to stray away from her ditzy blonde routine. I could tell that she tried hard, but she just couldn't handle that southern accent. However, despite her slightly irritating performance, some how she's still likeable. I think she's the only person that can make an intolerable performance... tolerable. The story itself is only mildly interesting. It has its moments, but for the most part it's melodramatic and predictable. The direction and script are both decent, but not anything to write home about. Bus Stop passes as light entertainment, but isn't anything I'd want to rewatch again. It certainly isn't essential viewing unless you're a diehard Marilyn Monroe fan.
Hal M

Amusing story of a never-kissed-a-gal cowboy who comes into town to compete in a rodeo...and meets showgirl Marilyn Monroe. It is loosely based on Inge's play of the same name, but unfortunately leaves out the philosophy prof's romance with the bus stop waitress. George… More
Amusing story of a never-kissed-a-gal cowboy who comes into town to compete in a rodeo...and meets showgirl Marilyn Monroe. It is loosely based on Inge's play of the same name, but unfortunately leaves out the philosophy prof's romance with the bus stop waitress. George Axelrod (who wrote Seven Year Itch) adapted the play to the screen. Don Murray as the uber-virile though utterly naive cowboy is terrific, though as one reviewer here says he certainly IS 'over the top'! Monroe's performance is surprisingly restrained; she shows a sensitive side not evident in Seven Year Itch. The biggest flaw of the movie is the show-down between the cowboy and the burly bus driver. The fight choreographer gets an F for this one--what a let-down. Still, this picture is well worth seeing, regardless of whether or not you're a Monroe worshipper.