*I do not own any images in this post, all credits are linked below*
What would you do if you were out of a job (one that probably wasn’t at the best place), witnessed a shooting, and had to remain incognito? To what lengths would you go to get a new gig and stay out of the public eye? The most logical decision is to find a new gig with a completely new band, and far far away from where you just came. So you go to an agency, but they’re only hiring the opposite sex. Your first thought is of course to turn the job down and keep struggling to find a new one. After reconsideration, and realisation that if you stay in the same place much longer, the mob will find you, naturally, you do what you must to get by.
Some Like It Hot is a slapstick comedy film released in 1959, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond produced this based on a screenplay written in 1935 by Thoeren and Logan.
The film features stupidly funny situations, following the adventures taken by main characters Joe, Jerry, and Sugar. Joe and Jerry are of course disguised as women musicians named Josephine and Daphne. Their idea of joining an all-female band is almost instantly uprooted upon meeting one of the lead singers, Sugar, played by Marilyn Monroe. The two men compete over her while still remaining disguised. Their first gig in Florida doesn’t last too long though, as Joe can no longer hide his growing affections for Sugar, and threats of the mafia having located them. Of course, Joe disguises himself further as a quiet, unassuming millionaire to win over Sugar after hearing her wishes of finding a love that will last.
This film displays a sort of comedy that has been lost to modern Hollywood. Though it has men dressed as women, it is not as you would assume. Everything is done in jest, and this film has become one of the most classic romantic comedies of the cinema’s Golden Age.
Tony Curtis’s acting ability is displayed greatly in Some Like It Hot as he switches constantly between three characters: Joe, Josephine, and the millionaire heir to Shell Oil company. His performance is duly matched by Jack Lemmon, who played his part to perfection. Both men were consistently funny, persuasive in their attempts to remain hidden from the mafia, and hopeless romantics, especially when it came to Sugar. Marilyn Monroe of course held the film together in her performance. She played the often tipsy, saddened romantic, yet bubbly persona of Sugar Kane impeccably.
Some Like It Hot changed the course of cinematic history forever. It has become the quintessential romantic comedy, and its popularity was mostly due to Marilyn Monroe. Though some scenes are so stupid they make you uncomfortable, the overall concept of the film would make almost anyone laugh!
This film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the storyline alone is hilarious. If you have any suggestions or comments, leave them down below.
Image Credits:
Comments