The Prince and the Showgirl
Movie poster by Bill Gold
Directed by	Laurence Olivier
Produced by	Laurence Olivier
Written by	Terence Rattigan
Starring	Marilyn Monroe Laurence Olivier
Music by	Richard Addinsell
Cinematography	Jack Cardiff
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date(s)	1957
Running time	115 mins.
Language	English

The Prince and the Showgirl is a 1957 film produced at Pinewood Studios starring Marilyn Monroe and co-starring Laurence Olivier who also directed and produced it. The film was released on 13 June 1957.

It was written by Terence Rattigan who based the script on his play The Sleeping Prince.

[edit] Synopsis

The film is set in London in June 1911. George V will be crowned king on 22 June and in the preceding days many of the most important dignitaries arrive. Amongst those arriving are king Nicholas of Carpathia and his father regent Prince Charles.

The British government realise Carpathia is critical to the tension in Europe and to gain favour with them would be wise. They find it necessary to pamper their stay to London and thus civil servant Northbrook is detached to their service. Northbrook decides to take the Prince Regent out to the musical performance The Coconut Girl. During the interval the Prince Regent is taken backstage to meet the cast. He is particularly interested in Elsie Marina, one of the performers, and invites her to the embassy for supper.

Elsie arrives at the embassy and is soon joined by the Prince Regent. She expects a party but quickly realises the Prince's true intentions but is convinced not to leave by Northbrook with his promise to provide an excuse for her later. Whilst the Prince and Elsie are trying to have a quiet supper there are many interruptions. Later on the Prince makes a pass at Elsie which she, giggling with the effect of spirits they have been drinking, refuses. She explains how disappointed she was that he isn't more romantic and the Prince latches onto this, changing his tactics. The two eventually kiss and Elsie admits she may be falling in love but she passes out from the drink. The Prince places her in an adjoining bedroom to stay the night.

The following day Elsie overhears a conversation concerning the young Nicolas plotting to overthrow his father. Promising not to tell, Elsie then meets the Queen Mother who decides she should join them for the coronation in place of her oversized lady in waiting. The ceremony passes and afterwards Elsie refuses to tell the Prince Regent details of the treasonous plot, but during the coronation ball (to which she was invited by Nicholas)she manages to persuade Nicholas to draw up a contract in which he confesses his and the Germans intent, but only if the Prince agrees to a general election. The Prince Regent is impressed and realizes that he has fallen in love with Elsie. The morning after the Coronation Ball, Elsie manages to iron out the differences between father and son.

The next day the Carpathians must leave to return home. Elsie is invited by the Prince Regent to come with them but she stays to fulfil her stage obligations. The Prince Regent suggests that she join them in Carpathia after the end of her contract. The film ends with both assuring each other to meet again in 18 months time when the Prince Regent is free of his obligations and she is free of hers.

[edit] Cast

Elsie Marina (Marilyn Monroe), The Queen Dowager (Sybil Thorndike), and Charles, The Prince Regent (Laurence Olivier)

Starring

• Marilyn Monroe as Elsie Marina. Elsie is a young showgirl who is noticed by the Prince Regent, and asked around to the Carpathian embassy for supper. This was one of the few films that Monroe did outside 20th Century Fox.

• Laurence Olivier as Charles, the Prince Regent. Charles is the Prince Regent of Carpathia who insists on formality. Despite his wealth he is very lonely and invites Elsie Marina to the embassy for supper.

Also starring

• Sybil Thorndike as The Queen Dowager. The Queen is the quite deaf and not always understanding some of the events around her. She has some very witty conversations with Elsie. Thorndike was a veteran British actress of the stage.

• Richard Wattis as Northbrook. Northbrook is the unflappable British civil servant, assigned to the Prince Regent of Carpatia for aid. Wattis was a British character actor often cast in the part of meek, long-suffering civil servants and officials.

• Jeremy Spenser as King Nicolas. Nicolas is the king of Carpathia, though it is ruled by his father, Charles.

[edit] Reception

The film proved less than impressive critically and financially. It profited but many critics panned it for being slow moving.

[edit] Awards

The movie was nominated for five BAFTA Awards:

• Best British Actor - Laurence Olivier
• Best British Film
• Best British Screenplay - Terence Rattigan
• Best Film from any Source
• Best Foreign Actress - Marilyn Monroe

Crystal Star Award (French Film Academy)

• Best Foreign Actress - Marilyn Monroe

David Di Donatello (Italian Film Academy)

• Best Foreign Actress - Marilyn Monroe

[edit] Trivia

Olivier was reputedly so annoyed by Monroe's behaviour that he practically abandoned directing for the screen, only returning in 1970 to make Three Sisters (1970).^[1]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Prince and the Showgirl at Allmovie