Produced, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier, The Prince and the Showgirl (1957) placed Marilyn Monroe in a regal setting on screen. Off screen, however, the production was hindered by the inability of Monroe to get along with the rest of the cast and crew. She showed up late, often changing the delivery of her lines between takes, and vehemently refused to act without her acting coach present. Nevertheless, the film works... and focuses on a Royal's impromptu relationship with an actress. The cast is great, including Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier, Sybil Thorndike and Richard Wattis.
Directed by John Huston, The Asphalt Jungle (1950) is a superb Film Noir that has gained added attention for containing a great early performance by Marilyn Monroe. Although not given billing in the film, the producers soon realized the value of Marilyn Monroe's sex appeal, and included her likeness in subsequent advertising efforts. The story concerns a jewel heist, and both the plans of aftermath of it. Great performances run throughout, including Marilyn Monroe, Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore and Sam Jaffe.
