Dalbert Pringle In this decidedly over-exaggerated, 1957 Romantic-Comedy (Ha! Ha! So funny I forgot to laugh) - "American Vulgarity Personified" (that's Monroe's character) meets and is swept off her feet by "Utterly Pretentious Political Refinement" (that's Olivier's character).And what inevitably takes place between this truly tiresome, mismatched twosome has got to be one of the most sickening displays of contrived, slap-dash, screwball shenanigans ever recorded on film.IMO - Not only did Olivier prove (as a director) that he couldn't effectively direct this particular genre of film - But (as an actor) he also proved that he was totally clueless (as a man) about how to really give Monroe (the ultimate, 1950s sex symbol) an honest-to-goodness kiss like he really meant it. It was all just quick, delicate pecks on the lips without ever once demonstrating any intense, sexual intimacy, whatsoever.Anyway - Speaking about the creamy-white, skin-tight dress that Monroe wore throughout most of the story - Man-oh-man! - Did that glitzy outfit ever emphasize the monumental proportions of her ample ass, big-time. Yep. It sure did.

DebtotheC I want to clarify the fact that I avoided watching this show for years because I had Laurence Olivier up on such a pedestal (I actually thought of him as the best actor in the world for years!) I thought it must be awful. I watched this film for the first time today and it absolutely delighted me. I can understand why Sir O, would have been driven crazy by Marilyn's much over-discussed behavior during the making of this film and his direction of it. He was to the nth degree a classically trained actor. She, most definitely, was the exact opposite. That does not detract at all from a naturally born actor. Her shenanigans throughout her marriages, movie-making and personal life are documented well enough for us all to know they are probably true enough. I actually found the differences in their styles completely understandable and that they fit the differences in their particular stations "in life" totally fit their respective roles. It was quite believable and also entirely delightful. I also believe that if Sir O. were able to come back from the grave and could see his film now with a more objective eye, rather than one of mere "ownership; which I think he must have had at the time it was produced, he might even be able to see how truly wonderful it is. The interplay between the two characters seemed entirely believable, playful and at times even loving. The way she treated his son, the King, was also lovely AND loving! I found this film in it's entirety a delight and would recommend it highly for either a Laurence Olivier fan or a big Marilyn fan. In either case, they were equally talented; just in entirely different ways. She couldn't have ever done Shakespeare well, as he did. He could never have played the lead in her many successful well-known comedies. They were perfectly suited for each of these roles--him playing the part of a bombast so well, and she playing the role of a loving coquette.

tavm So now after several weeks having previously watched My Week with Marilyn, I finally got to watch the movie that was showcased in that partial bio-pic: The Prince and the Showgirl. Laurence Olivier plays The Regent and Ms. Monroe played Elsie, the American stage performer who enchants him. To tell the truth, I thought the dialogue went a little fast for me to truly understand what was going on but as the picture kept going on, I did find some of each of the leading performances quite funny and charming especially Monroe's. And Dame Sybil Thorndike as The Queen Dowager was also quite amusing in her exchanges with Marilyn especially when Ms. Thorndike mistakenly thought she knew French! So on summary, I thought The Prince and the Showgirl pretty good as a romantic comedy of the time with Monroe at her most charming and Olivier's direction also taking it's own sweet time near the end when the coronation scenes were being depicted.

Armand the key is cast. behind a dusty story, charming in this way, behind references to a fake Romania ( Carpathia ), behind old fashion details, the essence, axis and seductive seal is the cast. Laurence Olivier, Marilyn Monroe, Sybil Thorndike are the anchor of a movie that could become a light comedy among many others. sure, Marilyn is amazing and Sir Olivier precise but, after years, important is more than acting and atmosphere.Therefore, I believe, it is not a bad idea to watch the recent A week with Marilyn after the after enjoyment with Prince and showgirl. not for shooting details, not for good picture of actors but for a more profound taste . because this film is part of a chain. and the meeting between two great/interesting creators, very different, very strange, is more than sentimental adventure. sure, Marilyn Monroe is a extraordinary flame and Laurence Olivier is master of a perfect character but that is a small part of all. because , after years, this film is key of worlds.