To start, Olivier insisted on wearing blackface for the role, which was considered controversial even then.
After another performance, Olivier told Smith her delivery was slow and dull.
I got him really rattled," she quipped.
When actors have to play fight scenes, the moves are carefully choreographed to keep them safe.
Still, accidents do happen.
During one show, Olivier smacked Smith across the face, leaving it smudged from his makeup.
“He did knock me out,” Smith recalled.
“I did say it was the only time I saw stars at the National Theatre.”
But things took a sour turn not long afterward.
Olivier wrote an extensive apology to Smith for not giving her the part, but it wasn’t enough.
“They obviously count for so very little.
Smith replied, “This hand heldthehand!”
