Saturday, August 25, 2018

Some Like It Hot (1959): Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon


     In 2000, the American Film Institute (AFI) named Some Like It Hot (1959) as the greatest American comedy of all time. The honor gave further deserved recognition to the classic film, which Roger Ebert called "one of the enduring treasures of the movies..." Masterfully directed by Billy Wilder, Some Like It Hot is pitch-perfect, full of timeless scenes from beginning to end. The cast is amazing, including Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and George Raft. Naughty and suggestive at times, the film also stirred a censorship debate and was part of the catalyst to the studios ditching the prudish Production Code in the mid-1960's. On a side note, Some Like It Hot was originally planned to be filmed in color, but the garishness of Tony Curtis' and Jack Lemmon's heavy make-up led to the decision to shoot in black and white.
     1929: When struggling musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) accidentally witness a gangland shooting in Chicago, the Mob is out to get them... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959

     Forced to go on the lam, the two dress in drag and join an all-girl- band heading to Florida... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959

     the girls are lots of fun... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959

     but one particularly sexy girl, Sugar (Marilyn Monroe), really shines... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

     and catches the eye of Joe... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

     meanwhile Jerry has hilariously caught the fancy of a prospective suitor as well... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959

     Joe and Sugar's romance spikes... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

     but he cannot reveal his true identity... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

     countless classic moments ensue... 

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe

     and the cleverly acted events unfold...

Some Like It Hot. 1959: Marilyn Monroe