The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)

Review by All Movie Guide
The unusual pairing of Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier turns The Prince and the Showgirl into a delightful romantic comedy. With lesser lights involved, Showgirl could have been rather tedious, for it travels over territory we've all visited before. Granted, Terence Rattigan's screenplay is not without charm and the occasional little surprise, but it's also a trifle tired -- enough so that even Monroe and Olivier can't quite push the finished product into the realm of the classics. Still, there are more than enough joys to be found in Showgirl, starting with the showgirl herself. It's possible that Monroe may never have been more attractive than she is here; she glows, shimmers, and radiates practically every moment that she's onscreen. Even more importantly, the actress has rarely given a more delicious, accomplished performance. Monroe could always be counted on to deliver comedy in a sensual vein; what's refreshing here is that the sex takes second place to the comedy, and that the actress gets a chance to play a character with genuine intelligence (as opposed to the instinctual "smarts" that so many of her women possess). It's a lovely performance, full of small surprises. Olivier's performance is not as noteworthy, although it's wonderfully assured and often a treat; his angry outbursts are especially pleasing. More importantly, he develops an all-important chemistry with his co-star, without which the film wouldn't work. But Olivier's real contribution to the film is his direction. While the film tends to drag a bit in a few places, Olivier uses Jack Cardiff and his camera quite well, especially in the coronation sequence and at the ball. (The dancers filling the frame in a swirl of gorgeous color is especially noteworthy.) He also deserves a great deal of credit for getting such a finely modulated performance from Monroe, as well as solid work from the supporting cast. Showgirl is ultimately a trifle, but a very tasty one. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide