The Prince and the Showgirl

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

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

Synopsis

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

The British government realize that Carpathia is critical to the tension in Europe, and to gain favour with them would be wise. They find, that it is necessary to pamper their stay to London and thus the civil servant Northbrook is detached to their service. Northbrook decides to take the Prince Regent out to a cabaret performance, The Coconut Girl. At intermission, the Prince is taken backstage to meet the cast. He does so, and is particularly interested by Elsie Marina, one of the performers, and has her invited to the embassy for supper.

Elsie arrives at the daunting embassy, and is soon met by the Prince. Whilst they are trying to have a quiet supper, there are many interruptions, causing much angst. Eventually, the two, after much discussion, kiss, and Elsie even admits that she may be in love. However, she leaves the prince, but stays the night.

The next day, Elsie overhears a conversation that concerns Nicolas plotting to overthrow his father. Promising not to tell, Elsie then meets the Queen mother, who opts that she join them for the coronation. The ceremony passes, and afterwards, Elsie finally tells the Prince of the treasonous plot. The Prince, impressed, realizes he has fallen in love with Elsie.

The next day, the Carpathians must leave. Elsie considers going with them, but she stays true to her other obligations, and stays in London.

Cast

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. Marilyn Monroe is arguably the most famous actress ever. This was one of the few films that she did outside 20th Century Fox.

• Laurence Olivier as Charles, the Prince Regent. Charles is the Prince Regent of Carpathia, who insits on formality. Despite his wealth, he is very lonely, and invites Elsie Marina, a young showgirl, to the Embassy for supper. Olivier is considered to be one of the greatest actors of the 20th Century. However, amongst critcs and viewers, this is considered to be one of his weaker performances.

Also Starring

• Sybil Thorndike as The Queen Dowager. The Queen is the perpetually confused and naïve mother-in-law of the Prince. 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.

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

Reception

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

Influence

Notes and References

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