'The Prince and The Showgirl'

1 portrait of Laurence Olivier

Identify sitters

© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation Close

'The Prince and The Showgirl'

possibly by James and Betty Swarbrick
modern digital print, 1956
Given by British Film Institute, 2012
Photographs Collection
NPG x137343

Sittersback to top

Artistback to top

This portraitback to top

Filming began at Pinewood Studios on 7 August 1956 and as the recent film of Colin Clark's book My Week with Marilyn charts, the production was not easy. Olivier, an experienced theatrical actor and director was exasperated by Monroe's recurring lateness, forgetfulness and her insistence of her coach Paula Strasberg on set. Monroe found allies among co-stars Vera Day and Dame Sybil Thorndike and years later Olivier retorted 'I was as good as I could be, and Marilyn! Marilyn was quite wonderful, the best of all. So. What do you know?' Jack Cardiff (top left), master of Technicolor and cinematographer on the film thought Monroe 'as near perfect as any cameraman could wish for.' Milton H. Greene (shown photographing Monroe and Olivier on set), first met Monroe on assignment for Look magazine. The fashion and portrait photographer became a close friend and business partner as well as one of her most celebrated photographers.

Placesback to top

Events of 1956back to top

Current affairs

The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.
The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.

Art and science

Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?
John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.

International

The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.

Comments back to top

We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.

If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.