The Prince and the Showgirl
Big headlines were made across the world when Marilyn Monroe announced she was leaving her home studio, and starting her own production company “Marilyn Monroe Productions, Inc.” For her first production, she opted to head across the ocean to England’s Pinewood Studios to star in a film version of Terence Rattigan’s hit 1953 London stage face The Sleeping Prince.
Set in 1911, the story tells of Elsie (Monroe), an American showgirl visiting London at the time of a coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. After a performance, she meets the roving-eyed Prince Regent from the Balkan State of Carpathia (Olivier) visiting backstage, and accepts an invitation to a private supper with him at his local Embassy apartment. The romantic duel that follows is propelled by moments of hilarity, as the prince tries to maneuver the reluctant but curious Elsie into his bewitching spell. Complications arise with comedic results, as Elsie soon finds herself involved in the political machinations of the Royal family. Rounding out the cast are a host of English character actors including Sybil Thorndike, Jeremy Spenser, David Thorne, and Richard Wattis. Legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff lent his peerless talents to the production, with music composed by Richard Addinsell
