Palm Springs: Free Marilyn Monroe movies at the big sculpture

The gigantic Marilyn Monroe statue called “Forever Marilyn” left Chicago and arrived in mid-May at Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs. So what better place to stage outdoor movies of the legendary blond bombshell than at the statue? Four classic films will run Friday nights in July and August -- and they’re free.

The deal: Films start around 8:30 p.m. Visitors should arrive early to get a good spot and bring blankets or lawn chairs; leave the alcohol home though. Free parking is available on Tahquitz Canyon Way at Belardo Road.

The lineup:

Friday: “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953). The Howard Hawks film won Monroe an Academy Award nomination for best actress. Signature song from this film: “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

July 20: “Some Like It Hot” (1959). Look for the Hotel del Coronado in this comedy that Monroe shares with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

July 27: “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953). Monroe performs in this film with Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall.

Aug. 3: “The Seven Year Itch” (1955). This Billy Wilder classic includes the famed scene in which Monroe’s skirt flies up when she stands over a New York City subway grate -- the very pose replicated in the statue.

Details: Impress your friends with these details of the statue: It’s 26 feet tall, weighs 34,300 pounds and was designed by Seward Johnson.

Contact: Forever Marilyn on Facebook