Some Like It Hot - A Movie Review

Nobody is going to believe that we’re women.

Some Like It Hot is a classic 1959 comedy. Set in the 1920s, two struggling musicians, Joe and Jerry are on the run after witnessing a mob massacre. To escape the mob’s wrath, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female jazz band.

It has surprised me that I’ve barely watched any films with the late Marilyn Monroe. Some Like It Hot is a nutty film that is fair for its time. Even making fun of its own storyline, what ensues is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of mistaken identities, love, and self-discovery.

Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe's performances are the heart and soul of the movie, driving the laughter and charm that make it a true cinematic gem.

Dressing in drag, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon create prominent comedic performances. Their portrayals of their double personas Josephine and Daphne are very convincing as women - to an extent that is. While their motivations raise eyebrows, Curtis and Lemmons don’t fail in the comedy.

The late Marilyn Monroe was a sensation as the vivacious Sugar Kane. Her personality was a bit annoying, particularly with how she acted around her superiors. She shined in every scene she was in, despite having trouble with her lines in some scenes. One scene where she only delivers three words took 59 takes! I still want to watch more films about this iconic actress.

Credit also goes to several other actors in memorable bit parts. Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown) got on my nerves with his advances toward the women (or men in drag). Osgood's persistent pursuit of Daphne, despite her (his) continuous rejections, leads to some of the most hilarious and memorable moments in the film.

Sweet Sue and Mr. Benstock (Joan Shawlee and Dave Berry) were my favorite side characters. My favorite scene will always be when the women squeeze into the berth to have a glass of alcohol. Side characters add depth contributing to the film’s witty nature.

Monroe was even against the whole plotline regarding how nobody could recognize two men in drag. I rolled my eyes at times at the other women’s clueless reactions. Joe and Jerry’s act as women is pretty obvious at times. After thinking about it, the film does that on purpose. We need a good comedy that we don’t have to take seriously.

The themes in the film may not align with today’s standards, specifically on topics of gender stereotypes. The film was banned in Kansas because cross-dressing was deemed too disturbing! Recently, cross-dressing has undergone feedback but this element allowed the characters to explore their identities leading to unexpected results.

In their time as women, Joe and Jerry are shocked at how some men treat them. Some Like It Hot was made in a different era. We can’t change history or themes. I thought it was a bold idea for a film in the conservative 1950s to challenge traditional gender norms and social conventions.

I laughed at various bits of the film. Just like myself, moviegoers erupted in laughter at the scene where Jerry merrily gabs about his night with Osgood while shaking maracas. The ending line (which is now iconic of its own) got the biggest laugh out of me.

Billy Wilder’s daring approach to humor and the story explored challenges that we are becoming more open-minded about. That’s what’s important. Be true to yourself. That’s an inspiring lesson for all viewers.

Check out Some Like It Hot. It’s a classic comedy and worth the watch for all performances.