Some Like It Hot
| 1959Directed by: Billy Wilder
Main Plot
"Some Like It Hot," directed by Billy Wilder, is a classic comedy that unfolds during the Prohibition era. The film kicks off with two struggling musicians who inadvertently witness a mob hit. To escape the gangsters pursuing them, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band heading to Florida. This decision leads to a series of comedic and chaotic situations as they navigate their new identities and the challenges of maintaining their disguise. The plot thickens as romantic entanglements develop, with one of the musicians falling for the band's lead singer, while the other attracts the attention of a wealthy suitor. The tension escalates when the mobsters close in on their trail, leading to a climactic and humorous showdown. Key themes in the film include the exploration of gender roles and identity, as well as the absurdity of societal norms. The narrative cleverly uses humor to address these themes, highlighting the fluidity of identity and the lengths to which individuals will go to survive. The film's witty dialogue and sharp comedic timing contribute to its enduring appeal, making it a timeless exploration of disguise, deception, and the pursuit of love and freedom.
Characters
- Marilyn Monroe plays Sugar Kane, a singer and ukulele player who dreams of marrying a millionaire, unaware she's befriending two musicians disguised as women.
- Tony Curtis plays Joe, a musician who disguises himself as a woman named Josephine to escape mobsters, while also pursuing a romantic interest in Sugar Kane.
- Jack Lemmon plays Jerry, a musician who disguises himself as "Daphne" to escape mobsters, joining an all-female band and creating comedic chaos.
Ending Explained
In the final scenes of the movie, the two main characters, Joe and Jerry, who have been masquerading as women named Josephine and Daphne to escape from mobsters, find themselves in a series of comedic and revealing situations. Joe, who has been courting Sugar Kane under the guise of a millionaire named Shell Oil Junior, finally reveals his true identity to her. Despite the deception, Sugar accepts Joe for who he is, indicating a genuine connection beyond the facade. Meanwhile, Jerry, still in his Daphne persona, is pursued by the wealthy and eccentric Osgood Fielding III. In a humorous twist, Jerry tries to dissuade Osgood by listing reasons why their marriage wouldn't work, including the fact that he is not actually a woman. Osgood famously responds with the line, 'Well, nobody's perfect,' highlighting the theme of acceptance and the absurdity of societal norms. The film concludes with the characters escaping on Osgood's yacht, leaving behind the chaos of their previous lives. The ending underscores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, as the characters embrace their true selves and relationships, regardless of societal expectations or gender roles. This resolution provides a comedic yet poignant commentary on the fluidity of identity and the nature of love.