THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL (1957) 19996

This is an original Warner Bros. Half Sheet Poster (22x28) for the Laurence Olivier romantic comedy, THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL (1957) based on a play by Terence Rattigan and starring Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn's revered "sex appeal" is on full display in this film as she tries to seduce Olivier. In the original play, Monroe's part was English, not American, and was played by Vivien Leigh. Olivier, who also directed the film, wanted Leigh for the film part, but she was ill at the time. Monroe was available and very popular, so Olivier offered her the part. They did not get along at all during the filming. Olivier was understandably perturbed by Marilyn's infamous "moodiness" and her total inability to arrive at the set on time. Still, the actress turns in a very credible and delightful performance and will be remembered and appreciated far more than Olivier's stiff and snobby Grand Duke. With a stunning portrait of the two legends, this original half sheet poster is folded and in very good plus condition. Minor flaws include small nicks in the top and bottom borders, minor paper loss in the bottom border, and creases in three of the corners. The campaign for THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL yielded one of the best images on Marilyn Monroe on any U.S. poster.