Some Like It Hot

Movie Recommendations

"Some Like It Hot" is a classic American comedy film released in 1959, directed by Billy Wilder. It stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The film is renowned for its witty script, sharp direction, and memorable performances, particularly by Monroe, who delivers one of her most iconic roles.

Plot Summary

The story is set during the Prohibition era in 1929. It follows two struggling musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who accidentally witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. To escape the mob, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band headed to Florida. Joe becomes "Josephine" and Jerry becomes "Daphne." As they travel with the band, both men are drawn to the band's lead singer, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe). Joe, in his male persona, also poses as a wealthy oil heir to win Sugar's affection, while Jerry/Daphne fends off the advances of an actual millionaire, Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown). The film culminates in a series of comedic and romantic entanglements, leading to a famously unexpected and humorous conclusion.

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Soundtrack

The soundtrack of "Some Like It Hot" is integral to its charm and atmosphere. It features a mix of jazz and popular music from the 1920s, in line with the film's setting. The music was composed by Adolph Deutsch, a renowned composer and conductor known for his work in both film and Broadway.

Key Tracks

  1. "Running Wild" - Performed by Marilyn Monroe, this upbeat jazz number captures the free-spirited and carefree vibe of the Roaring Twenties.
  2. "I Wanna Be Loved by You" - Another Monroe performance, this song became one of her signature numbers, showcasing her breathy, flirtatious vocal style.
  3. "I'm Through with Love" - A more melancholic song, also sung by Monroe, reflecting Sugar Kane’s feelings of romantic disillusionment.
  4. "Some Like It Hot" - The instrumental title track, which encapsulates the film’s playful and vibrant tone with its lively jazz rhythms.

The soundtrack contributes significantly to the film's mood, enhancing both the comedic and dramatic moments. Monroe’s musical performances, in particular, add a layer of emotional depth and entertainment value, solidifying her status as a triple-threat performer.

Overall, "Some Like It Hot" is celebrated not just for its humor and narrative, but also for its musical contributions that vividly bring the 1920s setting to life.

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Movie Connections

  1. Comedy: "The Apartment" (1960) - Like "Some Like It Hot," this film stars Jack Lemmon and was directed by Billy Wilder. It explores themes of love and corporate culture.

  2. Comedy-Drama: "Tootsie" (1982) - Similar to "Some Like It Hot," this film features a male protagonist disguising himself as a woman, leading to both comedic and dramatic situations.

  3. Crime Comedy: "Ocean's 11" (1960) - Features a star-studded ensemble cast like "Some Like It Hot" and involves clever plot twists and schemes.

  4. Comedy: "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) - In a plot somewhat reminiscent of "Some Like It Hot," Robin Williams’ character disguises himself as an elderly woman to spend time with his children.

  5. Classic Comedy: "Duck Soup" (1933) - A film from an earlier era of comedy that, like "Some Like It Hot," uses humor to deal with serious subjects (in this case, war and politics).

  6. Romantic Comedy: "Victor/Victoria" (1982) - This film involves gender-bending themes similar to "Some Like It Hot," with a woman pretending to be a man who performs as a female impersonator.

  7. Comedy-Mystery: "Charade" (1963) - Combines comedy and suspense in a stylish way, featuring charming and witty performances similar to those in Wilder's films.

  8. Musical Comedy: "Hairspray" (2007) - Although more modern, it shares the theme of using performance and disguise (though for different purposes) to challenge social norms.

  9. Biographical Comedy: "Man on the Moon" (1999) - This film explores the life of Andy Kaufman, an entertainer who, like the characters in "Some Like It Hot," often played with identity and expectations.

  10. Screwball Comedy: "Bringing Up Baby" (1938) - A classic in the screwball comedy genre that, much like "Some Like It Hot," features rapid-fire dialogue, improbable situations, and a blend of romance and comedy.