Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Marilyn and Ella Backstage at the Mocambo

1950s Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe helps singer Ella Fitzgerald challenge racial prejudice. Stars Julia Ford and Alibe Parsons.

1950s Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe sets out to help singer Ella Fitzgerald challenge racial prejudice.

Bonnie Greer's drama inspired by the remarkable true story of how film star Marilyn helped launch Ella's American west coast career at Hollywood's world-famous Mocambo Night Club.

Starring Julia Ford as Marilyn Monroe and Alibe Parsons as Ella Fitzgerald.

Marilyn Monroe …. Julia Ford
Ella Fitzgerald …. Alibe Parsons
Norman Granz …. Stuart Milligan
Feldman …. Rolf Saxon
Morrison/Lee Strasberg …. Kerry Shale
Karim …. Fred Fortas
Flossie …. Bonnie Greer

Singer: Ruby King

Pianist / Musical Director: Steve Brown

Producers: Pauline Harris and Vivien Rosenthal

Director: Pauline Harris

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.

***Iconic actress Marilyn Monroe joins BBC Radio 4 Extra's 100 Club – born June 1st 1926. She died in 1962 aged 36***

1 hour

On radio

Saturday06:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Sun 5 Jun 201616:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 6 Jun 201604:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sun 13 Jan 201916:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 14 Jan 201904:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Saturday06:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Saturday11:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Saturday17:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sunday01:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra