LITTLE ROCK — FBI files on Marilyn Monroe that could not be located earlier this yearhave been found and reissued, revealing the names of some of the movie star’s communist-leaning friendswho drew concern from government officials and her own entourage. But the records, which previously had been heavily redacted, do not contain any new information about Monroe’s death 50 years ago. Letters and news clippings included in the files show the bureau was aware of theories the actress had been killed, but they do not show that any effort was undertaken to investigate the claims. Los Angeles authorities concluded Monroe’s death was a probable suicide.The updated FBI files do show the extent the agency was monitoring Monroe for ties to communism in the years before her death in August 1962. The records reveal that some in Monroe’s inner circle were concerned about her association with Frederick Vanderbilt Field, who was disinherited from his wealthy family over his leftist views. Under J. Edgar Hoover’s watch, the FBI kept tabs on the political and social lives of many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Monroe’s ex-husband Arthur Miller. Monroe’s file begins in 1955 and mostly focuses on her travels and associations, searching for signs of leftist views and possible ties to communism. For all the focus on Monroe’s closeness to suspected communists, the bureau never found any proof she was a member of the party. “Subject’s views are very positively and concisely leftist; however, if she is being actively used by the Communist Party, it is not general knowledge among those working with the movement in Los Angeles,” a July 1962 entry in Monroe’s file states.

Los Angeles police said actor Nick Stahl has been arrested for investigation of lewd conduct. The 33-year-old Terminator 3 star was arrested about 8 p.m.Thursday on Hollywood Boulevard. He was booked on a misdemeanor count of lewd conduct and released from custody. The Los Angeles Times reported that Stahl was arrested at an adult movie shop during a routine undercover police operation. In May, Stahl had been reported missing by his wife, but he later turned up. Stahl was a child star who performed in the 1993 film The Man Without a Face. An e-mail seeking comment from his publicist was not immediately returned Friday.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 12/29/2012