Until the 17th century, it was not permissible for women to be employed as actors. Once women were permitted on stage, it became increasingly unusual to see men playing female roles. Now, of course, the drag act has become a staple of modern entertainment.
However, decades before Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994), To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995), or The Birdcage (1996),Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis bared their legs in Some Like it Hot (1959).
The Plot of Some Like it Hot
Arguably Billy Wilder’s best movie, Some Like it Hot opens in Chicago, 1929, where womaniser Joe (Curtis) and put-upon Gerry (Lemmon) work as jazz musicians. On the way to a job, Joe and Gerry witness a gangster massacre and are forced to flee for their lives.
In order to get as far away from Spats Colombo and his gang as possible, the pair decides to join a band heading to Florida. However, there is a slight snag…it’s an all-girl group. Hilarity ensues as the men attempt to pass themselves off as Josephine and Geraldine/Daphne. However, trouble arises in the form of Sugar (Marilyn Munroe). Both men fall for the gorgeous blonde ukulele player, but Jerry is the one who formulates a plan to woo her.
Background of the Movie
The movie was adapted from a story written by Michael Lomax and Robert Thereon. In fact, eight years prior to the release of Some Like it Hot, a German adaptation of the story entitled Fanfaren der Liebe was produced. Therefore, technically Billy Wilder’s version is a re-make.
Some Like it Hot is often considered to be one of the best movies ever made and was named Greatest American Comedy of All Time by the American Film Institute. There are some particularly hilarious moments in the film. One such scene is the announcement of Daphne’s engagement, which was so funny that in test screening laughter was drowning out the dialogue. Subsequently, the scene had to be re-shot, with Jack Lemmon’s maracas providing pauses for laughter.
Cross-dressing Controversy
It’s difficult to imagine today, but Some Like it Hot caused controversy in its day. Many actors refused to play the roles of Joe and Gerry, including Jerry Lewis. In addition, The Catholic Legion of Decency found cross-dressing to be sinful and rated it C for condemned. Furthermore, the movie was banned in the states of Kansas.
On top of which, rumours were rife about the behaviour of Marilyn Munroe on set. Legend has it that the troubled star had difficulty learning simple sections of dialogue and would sometimes refuse to leave her trailer.
The Success of Some Like it Hot
However, this did not hamper the success of the film, which won an Academy Award and gained a further five nominations, including Best Actor in a Leading Role (Jack Lemmon) and Best Director (Billy Wilder).
Some Like it Hot was revolutionary, but the comedy of the film never solely hinges on the fact that the two leads are dressed in drag. If that were the case, then the movie would not have enjoyed the longevity that it has, because drag is now much more mainstream. It is the clever writing and excellent performances that make this movie the greatest American comedy.
The sustained popularity of Some Like it Hot led to its re-release in 1981. It has also been transformed for the stage and, in 2002, one such production starred Tony Curtis, who took on the role of Osgood Fielding III.
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