Secrets of the Silver Screen: The Real Story Behind Marilyn Monroe and Vivien Leigh’s Historic Encounter
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
On July 14, 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived at London Airport, now Heathrow, accompanied by her new husband, playwright Arthur Miller. Her trip to the UK marked a significant moment in Monroe’s career, as she prepared to star in The Prince and the Showgirl. This romantic comedy, which paired her with Sir Laurence Olivier, was more than just another role; it was Monroe’s first film under Marilyn Monroe Productions, a bold move that demonstrated her ambition to redefine her image and be taken seriously as an actress.
Waiting to greet her was none other than Vivien Leigh, Olivier’s wife and one of Britain’s most revered actresses. Known worldwide for her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, Leigh was herself a symbol of cinematic and theatrical sophistication. Her presence at the airport lent a touch of British theatrical royalty to Monroe’s arrival.
The Meeting at London Airport
Their first encounter unfolded under the watchful gaze of reporters and photographers. As Monroe descended the airplane steps, dressed in a white coat and dress, she was met by Leigh and Olivier, who were dressed formally for the occasion. Cameras captured their polite handshakes, brief conversation, and warm smiles. This carefully orchestrated moment set the stage for the highly anticipated collaboration between Monroe and Olivier.
Monroe seemed happy and excited, her charm shining through even in the short, formal exchange. Meanwhile, Leigh exuded her usual poise, welcoming the American star to England. While the dialogue from that day remains undocumented, accounts suggest the actors exchanged pleasantries, with Monroe expressing her enthusiasm for working with Olivier, and Leigh extending a gracious greeting.
A Glimpse of Professional Rivalry
Although the airport meeting appeared cordial, the dynamics between Monroe and Leigh would later grow more complex. Leigh’s initial reaction to Monroe’s beauty and screen presence reportedly sparked some insecurities. According to accounts in Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier and the Romance of the Century, Leigh once remarked after watching daily rushes, “I didn’t think she would be that beautiful. She has it and I don’t.”
Their relationship remained distant. Apart from the airport greeting, their interactions were largely limited to formal events, including a party hosted by playwright Terence Rattigan. Monroe and Leigh never formed a close bond, and the tension behind the scenes at Pinewood Studios, where the film was shot, added to the complexity of their professional connection.
A Historic Moment in Hollywood and British Cinema
This first meeting at London Airport, while brief and formal, represented a unique convergence of American glamour and British elegance. For Monroe, it was the start of a challenging yet pivotal chapter in her career. For Leigh, it was a moment of gracious hospitality toward the Hollywood star who would soon work closely with her husband.
Though their relationship never blossomed into a true friendship, the encounter remains a fascinating snapshot of two iconic figures at a crossroads in their respective lives and careers. As The Prince and the Showgirl brought together Monroe’s star power and Olivier’s classical gravitas, their first meeting—with Leigh in the mix—set the stage for a production that has continued to intrigue audiences and historians alike.
View this post on Instagram
