one of the world's great hostileries and the los angeles landmark of good living. >> at the iconic ambassador hotel, 19-year-old marilyn tries her luck with the blue book modelling agency. >> norma jean looked like the girl next door. and i thought i ka make her into something quite marketable in a short length of time. she was very beautiful, and had a clean cut, american wholesome way. >> marilyn is turning herself into a commodity, and a part of her, presumably, is also using it to reflect back on herself some sense of having worth. >> what i see is her excitement of being in front of a camera. this woman is so comfortable in her skin. ♪ >> it's christmas, 1945.