The story centers on a group of wanderers adrift in the Nevada desert landscape. A woman recently separated from her marriage in Reno—played by Marilyn Monroe—connects with three men, sparking feelings among them: an older cowboy portrayed by Clark Gable, a jaded bush pilot brought to life by Eli Wallach, and a quiet rodeo competitor embodied by Montgomery Clift. They embark on a journey to round up wild horses for financial gain. Thelma Ritter appears as another unconventional character during the initial portion of the film. “The Misfits,” released in 1961, marked the last screen appearances for both Gable and Monroe, and was also among Montgomery Clift’s most important roles. Shortly after filming wrapped, Gable died unexpectedly from a heart attack; Marilyn passed away eighteen months later, and Clift was gone by 1966. Even Ritter didn't live to see the end of the decade. The film is a black-and-white drama that incorporates Western themes and offers somber considerations about existence and mortality, calling to mind works by Tennessee Williams such as “The Night of the Iguana” and “The Fugitive Kind.” The characters are individuals struggling with inner turmoil, attempting to numb their suffering through excessive drinking and superficial interactions. Monroe is captivating and full of allure; the film contains moments of insight, like Gay’s commentary on pursuing something with good intentions only to have society corrupt it into something questionable or harmful. It's also a compelling look at the past. A bit of background: Director John Huston initially hoped to cast Robert Mitchum in Gable's part, but by the time they resolved script issues, Mitchum was committed to another film. The screenplay’s author, Arthur Miller, was Marilyn Monroe’s husband during filming, though they finalized their divorce eleven days before the movie came out. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB