The film is set in the early Twentieth Century, at the time of George V's coronation and a visit from the Carpathian royal family. While visiting a London show, the Regent of Carpathia's (Olivier) attentions are drawn to Miss Marina Elsie (Monroe).

She is invited to what she believes will be a dinner gathering at the Carpathian embassy, but only finds places set for two. What's more, the Regent seems more interested in planning politics on the phone.

Despite his political affairs, the Regent makes it clear that he wants more than Elsie's company. At first she resists, but after advising the Regent on his pulling technique she succumbs to his charm, but is too drunk to do more.

As time progresses the two learn more of each other, but politics and the Regent's grouchy behaviour prevent them from getting too close.

The Regent's mother-in-law sees to it that the couple become closer to each other and Elsie accompanies the Carpathians to George V's coronation, where she is captivated by the music and ceremony.

By this time she has overheard the Regent's son, the king of Carpathia, plotting to overthrow his father, and the Regent has found this out. At first he is angry, but Elsie persuades him to forgive - in fact he finds a way to make a deal with his son to vanquish his political enemies.

With Elsie's influence the Regent warms and becomes less set in his grumpy ways.

The couple must decide as they fall in love whether they are to spend the rest of their days together or if that is just not to be.

If this is the first time you've seen a Marilyn Monroe film you may well find her style sickeningly cliched, but it is worth remembering that she spawned the style before it became cheese, and her provocative allure is what makes the film.

James Trueman