Still a Candle in the Wind

Almost half a century after she breathed her last, people are still fighting over Marilyn Monroe.

Or, more precsiely, over images of Marilyn Monroe, and other iconic stars no longer with us -- and how those images are licensed, used, and made profitable long after they're gone.

The Los Angeles Times has a fascinating piece about a California legislator -- herself a former small-screen star of "Dobie Gillis" fame - is trying to change the rules.

It's not clear how it will work out in the end, but remember those awful commercials with Fred Astaire dancing with a vacuum cleaner? And the commercials with the likes of Bogart, Jimmy Cagney and Louis Armstrong pimping Diet Coke from byond the grave?

They may be able to make new rules, but I doubt they'll ever be able to legislate respect -- or good taste.

Seven Year Itch DVD Cover - 20th Century Fox