She was one of the most talented actresses of the post-War period, starring opposite the likes of Gary Cooper and Clark Gable, and even winning an Oscar. Her fairytale came true in 1956 when, at the tender age of 26, she turned her back on Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Now, at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, the story that made women across the globe envy her will be retold in ‘Grace of Monaco’, with Nicole Kidman fulfilling the starring role.

Graceful glamour

Not everyone is anticipating its release with pleasure, however. The Monegasque royal family has called it a “farce… based on erroneous and dubious historical references”. Meanwhile, the film’s US distributor Harvey Weinstein is in deadlock with its French creators over the tone and feel of the film. Does the magic of the silver screen give film-makers the necessary artistic licence? We'll be able to judge for ourselves when it’s released in cinemas – hopefully soon after its Cannes premiere.

Photo: Vanity Fair