Denise Truscello

A pair of Marilyn Monroe’s glasses are among hundreds of the starlet’s personal items available at Julien’s Auctions Summer Sale at Planet Hollywood on June 26 and 27.

By Robin Leach

Published Thursday, June 25, 2009 | 5:59 a.m.

Updated Thursday, June 25, 2009 | 8:46 a.m.

*Check out this story with accompanying photos at VegasDeLuxe.com.*

One of the most extraordinary collections of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia is about to go under the hammer at auction, and as an added bonus for pop culture fans, there are Elvis Presley items from his physician “Dr. Nick.” Dr. George Nichopoulos. The exhibit will be unveiled this evening at Planet Hollywood with a gala viewing preview party and then tomorrow and Saturday the Julien’s Auctions Summer Sale.

New Peepshow star Holly Madison re-created the images of Marilyn yesterday in a photo shoot with photographer Denise Truscello. Holly was given permission to use some of Marilyn’s wardrobe going on sale for the session. “She’s definitely a new Monroe,” said producer Scott Zeiger, who hosts tonight’s gala opening of Holly and co-star Shoshana Bean in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. “She has all that natural charm, very sexy and vulnerable just like Marilyn was. It’s uncanny how similar they are.”

One of Holly’s friends who watched the photo shoot told me: “It was amazing. She was in heaven doing the photo re-creations that appeared in the auction catalog. When people see them on display later, everybody will be blown away. It’s Marilyn all over again!”

Bidders and buyers can attend the auction at Planet Hollywood or follow via live streaming video at www.juliensauctions.com. It is a spectacular exhibit of rare Hollywood memorabilia and personal items that have never before been available. Photographer Denise Truscello captured the medicine bag and Elvis’ prescription bottles, along with Marilyn’s clothes, glasses and hairpins. I even snapped some of Marilyn’s gowns, skirts, dresses, belts, blouses, her massage table and her prized copy of the Some Like It Hot script with Las Vegas resident Tony Curtis.

In addition, there are dozens of other items from everybody including Michael Jackson, Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher and Audrey Hepburn. You can go online to see the entire listing in advance.

The spotlight, though, is on the Elvis and Marilyn possessions. After Marilyn’s death in 1962, her home in Brentwood, Calif., was purchased at auction by Dr. Gilbert Nunez, who has now decided to sell many of the contents. There are more than 45 items consigned by Dr. Nick, including Elvis’ jewelry, guns, electronics and autographed books and photos.

The Elvis memorabilia will be put on sale during the two Friday sessions, and Marilyn’s collectibles, which also includes furniture and clothing, will be sold during the two Saturday sessions.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground. Read more of Robin's stories at VegasDeLuxe.com.

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