Watch The Prince and the Showgirl

The Prince and the Showgirl is a classic romantic comedy from 1957, starring Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier in the lead roles. Set in 1911, the movie tells the story of an awkward and nervous Prince Regent of Carpathia, Charles (played by Olivier) who arrives in London to attend the coronation of King George V. Upon reaching London, he meets Elsie Marina (played by Monroe), a stunning and vivacious American showgirl, who works at a local revue theatre.

The Prince is immediately smitten by Elsie's beauty and charm and invites her to tea at his place. After the invitation, Elsie goes to the Prince's hotel room where she spends hours trying on dresses, jewels, and makeup worn by members of the royal family. Even though she's uncertain about the Prince's motives, Elsie is still drawn to him and tries to find a way to make their relationship work. The next day the Prince decides to take Elsie to the opera, which turns out to be a disaster as Elsie does not know how to behave in polite society.

Despite these challenges, the Prince remains very much fascinated by Elsie's character and charms, and continues to pursue her. Elsie finds herself in a difficult situation, attracted to the Prince's royal status and wealth but also reconsidering whether she wants to be involved with such a formal and rigid lifestyle. The movie examines the cultural differences between the two characters and their worlds.

Amid the comic misunderstandings between the main characters, the movie touches upon deeper themes of loneliness and insecurity that the Prince and Elsie share. Charles is struggling with the pressure of fulfilling his duties as ruler, while Elsie is trying to navigate a male-dominated world to achieve success as an actress. The pair's shared sense of discomfort and inadequacy helps them bond over time.

Laurence Olivier delivers an excellent performance as the Prince, portraying his anxiety, arrogance, and vulnerability with versatility and nuance. Marilyn Monroe plays the American showgirl, Elsie, with a mix of effervescence and sensitivity that makes her character captivating and authentic. The two leads create a natural chemistry, which is the perfect blend of comedy and romance.

The supporting cast of the film includes Richard Wattis, playing the role of the chamberlain. He provides a comic relief throughout the movie, playing off the Prince's awkwardness and making the audience laugh. Jean Kent plays a minor role as the Prince's fiancé, who has been arranged in marriage for political reasons. She is jealous of Elsie and sees her as a threat to her plans.

The movie's screenplay is based on the stage play written by Terence Rattigan. And though the film deviates somewhat from the original source material, the characterizations and witty dialogue maintain the play's humorous and entertaining feel. The direction by Laurence Olivier is impressive, bringing out the best from the talented cast, crafting captivating set-pieces, and highlighting the periods' gender and class dynamics.

The cinematography is stunning, evoking the plush colors and grandeur of the era. The film's score, composed by Richard Addinsell, is a delight, infusing every scene with playful energy.

The Prince and the Showgirl is a timeless classic that showcases the talents of two of the most famous actors of the time, Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier. It is a delightful romantic comedy that also explores the themes of identity, class, and cultural differences. With rich visuals, a charming storyline and outstanding performances, the movie continues to attract a modern audience more than six decades after its release.

The Prince and the Showgirl is a 1957 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.