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.

DKosty123 I must say, Pinewood Studios in the UK often does some interesting back drop scenes in films, and this one is no exception. The Coronation Scene and the stained glass sequences in the Abbey are top notch visuals. In fact the camera work of the scenic 1911 period film is really excellent kind of. This is the kind of film that has lots of scenery to watch and the images are worth seeing.Lawrence Olivier is credited as Director and Producer here. There are scenes stocked with 100's if not 1000's of extras in the background. Monroe owned the production company but it is obvious that Pinewood let the company use their resources ca rte blanch.Whatever you have to say about Olivier's Direction, the images on the film are extraordinary. Noteworthy for Monroe fans are the advantages taken of getting her figure into the film frames too. While she is in one of her not skinny periods, her image on camera does not suffer when she has on great clothes and jewels for sure.The story is not badly done, and Monroe plays dumb and smart in different scenes. Her and Lawrence do quite a few scenes together in this one. The coronation has little or no dialogue which is not just effective but takes advantage of a Monroe who was very difficult to work with.This is not a film for intellect, or even plot, and some of the comedy is amusing but only works somewhat effectively. Monroes camera angles work very very well. It is worth trying to see a big talent Olivier try to star, direct, and produce the vehicle and bring it out of a shipwrecked state into a good film. They almost succeed.

SnoopyStyle Grand Duke Charles (Laurence Olivier) is the prince-regent of Carpathia, a fictional Balkan country which could be the cause of a worldwide war. He's in London with his pro-German minor son and the Dowager Queen to attend the coronation of King George V in 1911. British foreign officer Northbrook (Richard Wattis) is tasked with getting him whatever he wants. The Prince is completely taken by the actress Elsie Marina (Marilyn Monroe) at the Coconut Girl Club. Northbrook brings her to a supper for two.Laurence Olivier is very stiff which is his character. He's a tiresome old geezer. He is utterly overshadowed by Marilyn Monroe in every scene. This is a very unlikeable romance. The two characters and actors have no chemistry whatsoever. When it comes, the romance feels forced and uncomfortable. Monroe is great when she's drunk acting. She's magical and the screen loves her. The difference between the two can't be any greater. She is fun and hilarious. The movie grinds down whenever she's not on the screen.

utgard14 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.'