Julien obtained the film footage from the family of an actor who had a small part in the film.

Amateur footage of Hollywood legends Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable on the set of their classic film The Misfits has highlighted a celebrity auction, fetching $US60,000 ($62, 850).

The sale by Julien's Auctions in Las Vegas featured more than 400 memorabilia items ranging from actress Pamela Anderson's sports car to a piece of wedding cake from the marriage celebration of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

But it was the 47-minute film of Monroe and Gable preparing for scenes in 1961's The Misfits that drew a lot of interest ahead of the sale, said Darren Julien, president and chief executive of Julien's Auctions.

Julien obtained the film footage from the family of an actor who had a small part in the film.

Mr Julien says Hollywood memorabilia has become increasingly popular with movie and television fans, especially ageing baby boomers who have expendable income, because the items can trigger fond memories.

"It's a way for them to buy back a memory from their childhood, it helps them relive those moments," Mr Julien said.

Monroe's fans found plenty to invest in, with more than 125 lots relating to the actress - including original photographs, hats and personal checks - sold at the auction.