Monroe vs. Olivier: The Prince & The Showgirl

Marilyn wanted her acting coach, Paula Strasberg, to be put on the payroll as such. Olivier hated Paula's presence and hated Marilyn's methods. He would express his anger and say things like, "All you have to do is be sexy, dear Marilyn."

Marilyn of course would not be mean back but showed her insecurity by being late to set, ignoring directions, angering him even more. Dame Sybil Thorndike, who played the Dowager Queen, told Olivier to have patience. "We need her desperately. She's really the only one of us who knows how to act in front of a camera!"

The film finished a few days ahead of schedule. Reviews were amazing. Olivier would later admit that the agony had been worth it. "No one had such a look of unconscious wisdom, and her personality was strong on the screen - she was quite wonderful, the best of all." 

© Photos by Milton Greene. Marilyn Monroe for The Prince & The Showgirl (1957). With Laurence Olivier.