Rare behind the scenes footage of screen legend Marilyn Monroe which ended up in rural Victoria is to go under the hammer.

The two-and-a-half-minute amateur film of Monroe acting playfully on the set of the 1959 movie, Some Like It Hot, was taken by a US naval officer in San Diego.

The footage, featuring Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, was taken by the officer when Monroe visited his base.

Later that day he was invited by the film superstar to visit the nearby movie set at the Hotel Del Coronado.

The sailor's daughter migrated to Australia and brought the 8mm film with her.

The footage is to be auctioned in Melbourne later this month.

Charles Leski, of Leski Auctions, said the footage shows Monroe surrounded by sailors.

It then cuts to scenes on the movie shoot, which show Monroe rehearsing for an upcoming scene with Curtis, with crew members and extras watching her.

The sailor's daughter discovered the film, which is still in its original Kodak box, by chance among her late father's possessions.

"Marilyn Monroe memorabilia is always in demand, but rarely do we get one-off material like this," Mr Leskie said.

"It is also extremely rare for such important archival footage to be auctioned outside of the US before its domestic release, and for that we are extremely proud."

The film has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000 and the lot includes a CD copy and a DVD copy together with the original 8mm film.

The purchaser of the film also acquires full commercial rights worldwide.

Earlier this year, an amateur film shot of Monroe on the set of The Misfits sold in the US for $US60,000 ($A70,000).