''The Prince and the Showgirl'', 1957 - art by Luigi Martinati

A vintage Italian movie poster of ''The Prince and the Showgirl'', a British-American romantic comedy film released in 1957. The movie is notable for... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''The Prince and the Showgirl'', 1957 - art by Luigi Martinati

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage Italian movie poster of ''The Prince and the Showgirl'', a British-American romantic comedy film released in 1957. The movie is notable for its pairing of two iconic Hollywood stars, Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier, who also directed the film. It is based on the play "The Sleeping Prince" by Terence Rattigan.

The story is set in London in 1911 and revolves around the interaction between a European prince, played by Laurence Olivier, and a beautiful American showgirl, played by Marilyn Monroe. The prince is attending a royal event, and the showgirl is part of a musical revue troupe performing in London.

The film's central plot revolves around the unlikely romantic relationship that develops between the prince and the showgirl. Despite their starkly different backgrounds and social statuses, they find themselves drawn to each other. The movie explores the cultural clashes and misunderstandings that arise due to their differing worlds.

Marilyn Monroe's character, Elsie Marina, is portrayed as a charming, free-spirited, and somewhat naive woman, while Laurence Olivier's character, Prince Regent Charles, is initially reserved and proper. As the story unfolds, the prince becomes infatuated with Elsie, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional romance.

"The Prince and the Showgirl" is known for its delightful blend of comedy and romance, with Marilyn Monroe's charismatic performance and Laurence Olivier's skillful portrayal adding depth to the characters. The film's lighthearted and comedic elements are juxtaposed with moments of tenderness and vulnerability, making it a charming and endearing classic of its era.

Despite its modest commercial success at the time of its release, the film has gained a following over the years, thanks in part to the enduring appeal of its two legendary stars. It remains a notable entry in the filmographies of both Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier and is appreciated for its portrayal of a captivating and unlikely love story set against the backdrop of early 20th-century London.

About the poster artist:

Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.

While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.

Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.

He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni Pubblicità), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.

In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.

Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses..

In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.

He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.

To see some of his other posters, enter his last name in the search.

Uploaded

February 6th, 2022