Romantic comedy about Balkan royal (Laurence Olivier) visiting London and falling in love with American showgirl (Marilyn Monroe). I really thought going into this it would be better than it was. It isn't bad really just kind of dull and slow. Marilyn's good but comedy doesn't seem to be Olivier's strong suit. The humor in general is kind of stagey and old-fashioned, even for 1957. Lots of tired jokes about royalty and their kooky ways, how they like to be addressed and so on. Richard Wattis does his best George Sanders impersonation. Olivier directed this as well as starred so maybe that's part of the problem. Perhaps a more experienced comedy director would have known that this movie desperately needed a shot of adrenaline and, well, some 'oomph.'

From Terence Rattigan's " The sleeping prince" . Came to London in 1911 ti preside to the in coronation of George V , the archduke of Carpathia wants to be escort for the night , he finds an American showgirl. Olivier's acting is flawless and Monroe strikes. Question : which of the two stars has take advantage on the other? If " The prince and the showgirl" is already watchable today , it's because of Marilyn Monroe , because at one time of the story that little split comes out as if Olivier , from that moment was too busy to play an aristocratic better than a true one. If he had act like he had in front of him a similar beauty , there was nothing else to do than turn the guard down and give up: Marilyn enlightened up the scene , just with her being an alive presence , she was with her life to dissolve the cold of the perfection of his partner.

If you are a Monroe fan you are in for an hour-and-a-half of sheer enjoyment watching the ingenuous, irrepressible, sexy/innocent personality that Marilyn played so well. It's hard to take your eyes off her as feelings,thoughts,and reactions to events flow over her features in a feast of method acting, if that's what it is. The little story is entertaining in a shallow sort of way - there's something going on with mitteleuropa politics and family tensions but it hardly matters as the engine of the story is the wide-eyed little commoner dumped into an aristocratic environment, and everything that transpires in the short time-frame of her visit. The joke there is that she is always being farewelled but doesn't quite go, and reappears, always in the same dress. There's a fairly familiar thread contrasting sophisticated and corrupt Europe with the honest, down-to-earth representative of the New World. However the European side does provide the excuse for some great costumes and sumptuous interiors, making the film glamorous to watch. Laurence Olivier is reptilian and repulsive as the Grand Duke, which is fine except that we are supposed to believe that the Monroe character has fallen for him. This is not too credible! The direction is tight and effective, so kudos to Olivier for that. Sybil Thorndike is great fun as the Dowager Queen. It's Monroe's film however. I'd happily watch it any number of times.

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.