The Prince and the Showgirl

Infobox_Film
name = The Prince and the Showgirl


caption = Original Theatrical Poster
imdb_id = 0050861
amg_id = 1:39188
director = Laurence Olivier
writer = Terrence Rattigan
starring = Marilyn Monroe
Laurence Olivier
producer = Laurence Olivier
music = Richard Addinsell
cinematography= Jack Cardiff
distributor = Warner Bros.
released = 1957
runtime = 115 mins.
language = English

"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".

ynopsis

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 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 musical performance, "The Coconut Girl". During the interval, the Prince Regent 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 joined by the Prince Regent. She expects a party but quickly realises the Princes true intentions, though is convinced not to leave by Northbrook with his promises to provide an excuse for her later. Whilst the Prince and Elsie are trying to have a quiet supper, there are many interruptions, causing much angst. Later on the Prince makes a pass at Elsie which she, giggling with the effect of drinks they have been downing, refuses. She explains how disappointed she was that he wasn't more romantic and the Prince latches onto this, changing his tactics. Eventually, the two, after much discussion, kiss, and Elsie even admits that she may be in love. However, she passes out from the drink and the Prince angrily has her placed in an adjoining bedroom to stay the night.

The next day, Elsie overhears a conversation that concerns the young King Nicolas plotting to overthrow his father. Promising not to tell, Elsie then meets the Queen Mother, who decides that she 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 joins 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.

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. 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, a young showgirl, to the Embassy for supper. Olivier is considered to be one of the greatest actors of the 20th Century. Some critics considered this to be one of his weaker performances while others believe it is quite charming.

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.

Reception

The Prince and the Showgirl which proved less than impressive critically and financially. It made money, but many critics panned it for being slow-moving.

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

Trivia

Laurence Olivier was reputedly so driven mad by Marilyn Monroe's difficult behaviour that he practically abandoned directing for the screen, only returning in 1970 to make "Three Sisters" (1970).

External links

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