Some Like It Hot

Billy Wilder, USA, 1959, 105 minutes

Two broke jazz musicians, Jerry (Jack Lemmon) and Joe (Tony Curtis), flee Prohibition-era Chicago after witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre mob hit. In order to avoid detection, they dress in drag and join Sweet Sue and her Society Syncopators on a trip to play the Seminole Ritz in Florida. Joe and Jerry, as their female alter egos Josephine and Daphne, encounter Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), a singing ukelele player with a plan to marry a millionaire. Ladies’ man Joe masquerades as Junior, supposed heir to the Shell Oil fortune in order to win the delectable Sugar. Jerry as Daphne is courted by Osgood, an ageing playboy millionaire with five showgirl marriages behind him. On top of all this, the mob brings its annual convention to the Ritz and mayhem ensues while romance blossoms.

Some Like it Hot is possibly the most perfect comedy ever made, but it almost didn’t happen. Hollywood legend has it that Monroe didn’t want to make the picture but was contractually obligated. It was her most popular movie, and it’s easy to see why: directed by Billy Wilder, and starring Monroe alongside the comic genius of Lemmon and Curtis, this is a film you will want to see again and again. Not only are the jokes still funny, but they’re masterfully delivered by the three stars, who are all brilliant physical comics as well. Another highlight for costume whores and generally lascivious viewers is the gorgeous costume work of Orry Kelly, who created all of Monroe’s gowns, including the plunging backless number Monroe sports while singing “I wanna be loved by you”. Never has a star looked more nude while still being clothed, J-Lo has nothing on Monroe in this dress. This is also a film in which Monroe’s enduring charm is fully visible, and it’s understandable that Tony Curtis considers kissing Monroe in Some Like it Hot to be the highlight of his career.

Review by Sarah Artt
Taken from EUFS Programme Spring 2004

Although the title comes from a throwaway Tony Curtis line, Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot is a film worth keeping. Curtis and Jack Lemmon are two jazz musicians who, on the run from the mob after witnessing the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, dress in drag and join an all-girl group (in which one Marilyn Monroe is a leading member.) One of the great comedies of all time (using one of the greatest comedy pairings - Curtis and Lemmon are a delight to watch), Some Like It Hot is a seemingly eftortless piece of film-making. The comedy sparkles, the gangland scenes thrill and the romance (and happy ending) is almost enough to make you believe in the power of love. Watch for George Raft's dime-flipping mobster (a hark back to Scarface) and Tony Curtis' Cary Grant impression. Oh, and make sure you don't miss the last line.

Review by Malcolm Maclaren
Taken from EUFS Programme 1993-94