Some Like It Hot (1959)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Some Like It Hot is a 1959 American romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. Set during the Prohibition era, the film follows two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from mobsters. The film is renowned for its clever humor, memorable performances, and its subversive take on gender roles.

The Story Unfolds

The Escape

Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) are two struggling musicians in Chicago. After witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, they find themselves on the run from the mob. Desperate to escape, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band headed to Florida. Joe becomes Josephine, and Jerry becomes Daphne.

Meeting Sugar Kane

On the train to Florida, they meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), the band’s singer and ukulele player. Sugar confides in “Josephine” and “Daphne” about her troubled love life, while both Joe and Jerry develop feelings for her. Joe, as “Josephine,” befriends her, while Jerry, as “Daphne,” faces romantic advances from an eccentric millionaire named Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown).

The Climax and Resolution

The Romantic Deception

In Florida, Joe adopts another disguise, pretending to be a wealthy oil magnate named “Junior” to woo Sugar. Meanwhile, Jerry, as “Daphne,” enjoys the attention from Osgood but becomes increasingly entangled in the charade. Joe’s deception leads to a romantic relationship with Sugar, who believes she has finally met a decent man.

The Mob’s Return

The mobsters, led by Spats Colombo (George Raft), arrive in Florida for a convention, leading to a series of comedic and dangerous encounters. Joe and Jerry’s cover is nearly blown, leading to a frantic chase.

The Conclusion

The Grand Escape

The film culminates in a chaotic escape as Joe, Jerry, and Sugar flee from the mob. Jerry, as “Daphne,” finally reveals his true identity to Osgood, who remains unfazed by the revelation, delivering the famous closing line, “Nobody’s perfect.”

Movie Ending

Some Like It Hot ends on a humorous and unconventional note with Osgood’s acceptance of Jerry’s true identity, highlighting the film’s playful take on gender roles and romantic conventions.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Some Like It Hot.

Type of Movie

Some Like It Hot is a romantic comedy that blends elements of screwball comedy, crime caper, and musical.

Cast

• Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk
• Tony Curtis as Joe / Josephine / Junior
• Jack Lemmon as Jerry / Daphne
• Joe E. Brown as Osgood Fielding III
• George Raft as Spats Colombo
• Pat O’Brien as Detective Mulligan

Film Music and Composer

The film’s music, including the iconic song “I Wanna Be Loved by You,” was composed by Adolph Deutsch, with Marilyn Monroe performing several musical numbers.

Filming Locations

Some Like It Hot was filmed in various locations, including:

• The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California: The exterior scenes of the “Seminole-Ritz Hotel.”
• Various locations in Los Angeles for interior scenes.

Awards and Nominations

Some Like It Hot received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Costume Design (Black-and-White). Nominated for Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Director (Billy Wilder), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress (Marilyn Monroe), and Best Actor (Jack Lemmon).
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Actor (Jack Lemmon).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Marilyn Monroe’s performance, though celebrated, was marked by numerous difficulties on set, including multiple retakes and delays.
• The film’s cross-dressing theme was considered controversial at the time, pushing the boundaries of the Hollywood Production Code.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by the 1935 French movie Fanfare of Love and also by the era’s gangster films and screwball comedies. Wilder and his co-writer, I.A.L. Diamond, infused the story with sharp wit and social commentary.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut closely follows Wilder’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Some Like It Hot is an original screenplay, it has inspired various analyses and discussions in film literature due to its cultural impact and subversion of gender norms.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Joe and Jerry witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
• Joe and Jerry’s transformation into Josephine and Daphne.
• The train ride to Florida and the bonding scenes with Sugar.
• Joe’s disguise as “Junior” to woo Sugar.
• The final escape and the iconic closing line.

Iconic Quotes

• “Well, nobody’s perfect.” – Osgood Fielding III
• “I’m a man!” – Jerry/Daphne
• “We can’t have girls in the bunk.” – Band Member
• “I wanna be loved by you, just you, and nobody else but you.” – Sugar Kane

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s opening scene pays homage to classic gangster films, establishing the comedic tone juxtaposed with crime elements.
• Various nods to gender norms and societal expectations are cleverly woven into the dialogue and character interactions.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $2.9 million, and it grossed over $25 million worldwide.
• Marilyn Monroe was reportedly difficult to work with during filming, requiring numerous takes for simple lines.
• The closing line, “Well, nobody’s perfect,” was initially considered a placeholder, but it became one of the most famous lines in film history.

Why Watch?

Some Like It Hot is a timeless classic that offers a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and social commentary. Its memorable performances, sharp wit, and groundbreaking themes make it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and romantic comedies.

Director’s Other Movies

Billy Wilder also directed:

• Sunset Boulevard (1950)
• Double Indemnity (1944)
• The Apartment (1960)
• Sabrina (1954)
• Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Apartment (1960)
• Tootsie (1982)
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
• Bringing Up Baby (1938)