8 Chilling Old-Hollywood Movies You Need To See

Often seen as the personification of beauty and sex appeal, Marilyn Monroe's profession often becomes secondary but she was an actress, and quite a fine one at that.

1952's Don't Bother to Knock pairs Monroe with Richard Widmark and sees her take on the role of Nell Forbes, a young woman hired as a hotel babysitter but with dark psychological issues.

Even by Monroe historians this dark thriller is often overlooked, the main reason being that it was considered a "B" picture and was released just before Monroe reached her zenith. But I implore you, give it a chance.

In Don't Bother to Knock, Monroe expertly broaches the themes of psychological disturbance, delusional thinking and the achingly tragic and terribly ironic theme of attempted suicide. Her portrayal of Nell as a woman desperate to be loved but rapidly coming apart is spellbinding.

The film also has some wonderfully tense moments as we watch Monroe act at first indifferent then chillingly threatening to the child in her care. Seeing her as nothing more than a nuisance determined to keep she and Widmark apart, one shocking moment sees her contemplate pushing the child from a window.

Given Monroe's tragic end and similar mental battles, one can't help but feel this tragic portrayal is closer to who she really was.