Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot was such a brilliant comedy that it continues to provide undiluted, wholesome fun even to this date. But what made it even more interesting is that, it was such a diametrically opposite work vis-à-vis such disturbing and acerbic portraits of human society as in his iconic films noirs like Sunset Blvd., Ace in the Hole and Double Indemnity! Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis starred in the film as two down-and-out musician buddies who, while on the run from a dreaded Chicago mobster during the Prohibition-era, cross-dress as females and seek refuge in an all-girl music band at Florida. The band’s lead-singer happens to be Marleyn Monroe, who, with her innocent face and devil’s body captures their imaginations, and Curtis starts seducing her by impersonating as the owner of the Shell Company. Meanwhile, a wealthy old ‘mama’s boy’ grows fond of Lemmon and starts wooing him (her) with hilarious vigour. The chemistry between Lemmon and Curtis were tremendous, as were their individual performances. And Monroe, as the dumb but voluptuous girl, brought to life perhaps the most iconic role of her career. The movie’s fun, frolic and romping charm, through one hilarious set-piece after another, would have even the most serious person peeling with laughter; and thus, it remains one of the most evergreen classics of American cinema.
Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: US
