THE SLEEPING PRINCE (1953)

An occasional fairy tale in 2 acts. Set in London, England in 1911, it tells the story of a young actress who meets and ultimately captivates a Prince.
Written by: Terence Rattigan
Directed by: Laurence Olivier
Opened: the Phoenix Theatre, London, November 5, 1953
Cast: Vivien Leigh (Mary Morgan), Laurence Olivier (the Prince), Martita Hunt (the Grand Duchess), Jeremy Spenser (the King), Paul Hardwick (the Major Domo), Richard Wattis (the Gentleman in Attendance), and Rosamund Greenwood (the Countess)

One American visitor described the play as "a breath of old caviar." (from Anne Edwards' book)

Marilyn Monroe bought the rights to the play and subsequently produced "The Prince and the Showgirl" (1957), with Rattigan also writing the screen adaptation. The film was directed by, and costarred Laurence Olivier.
In 1963 the play was also adapted into a musical as "The Girl Who Came to Supper", with music and lyrics by Noël Coward.

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