🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Billy Wilder
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Crime
- Release year: 1959
- Runtime (length): 2h 1min
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10 (292K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two dudes in dresses accidentally invent drag while narrowly escaping a mob hit, and one of them almost marries a very persistent millionaire; it’s a whole thing.
🍿 Some Like It Hot: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
In Chicago, 1929, musicians Joe and Jerry inadvertently witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Fearing for their lives, they seek a quick escape from the city, knowing the mob, led by Spats Colombo, will be after them. This sets the stage for their desperate need to disappear.

Joining the All-Girl Band
Desperate, Joe and Jerry discover an all-girl band heading to Florida. They disguise themselves as women, becoming Josephine and Daphne, and join the band to evade the mob. This pivotal decision plunges them into a world of mistaken identities and comedic situations. The transformation is not just physical but also requires them to adopt mannerisms that they comically struggle with.

Romance and Complications in Florida
In Florida, Joe and Jerry encounter Sugar Kane, the band’s alluring singer. Joe, as Josephine, falls for Sugar, leading to a dual deception as he also poses as a millionaire to win her over. Meanwhile, Jerry, as Daphne, attracts the persistent attention of millionaire Osgood Fielding III, adding further layers of complexity and humor to their predicament.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe): A vivacious but vulnerable ukulele player and singer who dreams of finding a kind millionaire.
- Joe (Tony Curtis): A smooth-talking saxophone player who disguises himself as Josephine and Junior to win Sugar’s heart.
- Jerry (Jack Lemmon): A pragmatic bassist who transforms into Daphne and unwittingly becomes engaged to a persistent millionaire.
- Spats Colombo (George Raft): The ruthless mob boss who Joe and Jerry must evade after witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
- Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown): The wealthy and persistent millionaire who falls head over heels for Daphne, oblivious to the deception.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Sugar: “I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop.” – Sugar explains her repeated bad luck with saxophone players to Josephine/Joe.
- Jerry: “Why would a fellow want to marry a guy?” – Jerry expresses disbelief at Osgood’s proposal to Daphne.
- Jerry: “Security!” – Jerry responds as Daphne when asked about marrying Osgood.
- Osgood: “Nobody’s perfect.” – Osgood’s iconic response after Daphne reveals ‘she’ is a man.
- Sugar: “It’s me, Sugar!” – Sugar’s memorable way of announcing herself, showing her carefree personality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2.88M
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $208.79K
💥 Some Like It Hot Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so *Some Like It Hot*? Honestly, I think it’s one of the funniest movies ever. I mean, Jack Lemmon in drag? Hilarious! And Marilyn Monroe is just iconic as Sugar. I love the scenes on the train, especially when they’re all drinking out of hot water bottles. Every time I watch it, I find something new to laugh at. It’s just pure joy from start to finish.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic comedies”
- “Viewers interested in films with strong female characters”
- “Lovers of screwball comedies”
- “Those interested in films set during the Prohibition era”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild sexual innuendo”
- “Brief depiction of violence (St. Valentine’s Day Massacre)”
- “Alcohol use”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Wilder’s direction is impeccable, blending slapstick with sharp wit. Monroe shines, proving her comedic timing and charm. Curtis and Lemmon are a dynamic duo, each delivering career-defining performances. A timeless comedy that continues to delight.
- The Guardian: “Some Like It Hot is a cinematic masterpiece, showcasing Wilder’s genius for comedic storytelling. Marilyn Monroe’s performance is mesmerizing. It remains a benchmark for screwball comedies, celebrated for its witty dialogue and timeless appeal.
- RogerEbert.com: “Ebert considered it a riotous and genre-bending film which subverted gender roles while still being a laugh riot. He enjoyed the final line as a perfect resolution.
Audience Reactions
Marilyn Monroe’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the performances of the entire cast and the film’s witty dialogue.
The film’s ending is one of the most memorable in cinema history.: Many find the film’s gender-bending humor to be surprisingly progressive and ahead of its time.
Overall Consensus: Considered a timeless comedy classic with iconic performances and a groundbreaking storyline.
Awards
- Academy Award (Best Costume Design, Black-and-White)- 1960
- Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1960
- Golden Globe (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy)- 1960
- Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy)- 1960
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Billy Wilder originally wanted Frank Sinatra for the role of Jerry/Daphne, but Sinatra turned it down.”
- “Marilyn Monroe struggled with her lines and required numerous takes, sometimes up to 40, which frustrated Tony Curtis but Jack Lemmon tried to make light of the situation.”
- “To maintain the illusion of an all-female band, the male actors were instructed to wear weights on their shoes to prevent them from walking with a masculine gait.”
- “The film was shot in black and white because Billy Wilder felt that the heavy makeup worn by Curtis and Lemmon would appear garish in color film.”
🖥️ How to Watch Some Like It Hot?
Some Like It Hot is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and through various on-demand services. Check your local listings for availability. You may also be able to purchase a physical copy of the film on Blu-ray or DVD. Be sure to compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Some Like It Hot, you might like these similar films:
- Tootsie (1982): A struggling actor disguises himself as a woman to get a role, leading to comedic situations and self-discovery.
- Victor Victoria (1982): A woman poses as a male female impersonator in 1930s Paris, blurring gender lines and challenging social norms.
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Another iconic Marilyn Monroe film featuring musical numbers, comedic situations, and glamorous settings.
- The Birdcage (1996): A gay couple must pretend to be straight when their son brings his conservative fiancée and her parents home.
- Arsenic and Old Lace (1944): A dark screwball comedy involving eccentric relatives and outrageous situations, appealing to fans of classic humor.
🛒 Some Like It Hot Related Products
- Some Like It Hot (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration, Criterion Collection edition with insightful extras and essays. A must-have for cinephiles.
- Marilyn Monroe: The Very Best: High-quality MP3 downloads featuring Marilyn Monroe’s songs from the movie, perfect for reminiscing or parties.
- Some Like It Hot Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or fan cave.
- Some Like It Hot: The Musical: Immerse yourself in the Broadway adaptation of the movie with the official cast recording and script. Relive the humor and romance through song and dance.
🎧 Soundtrack
Some Like It Hot features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Runnin’ Wild” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
- “I Wanna Be Loved by You” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
- “I’m Through with Love” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Some Like It Hot is available for streaming on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other on-demand platforms. Check local listings for rental and purchase options.
It’s a comedy about two musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to escape, joining an all-girl band. It is set during the Prohibition era.
It is celebrated for its witty script, outstanding performances by Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, and its groundbreaking approach to gender roles and comedy.
🔥 Bonus Content
How Architects Can Tell Where Famous Movie Settings Are Really Located
Have you ever wondered where your favorite movie scenes were actually filmed? In this Architectural Digest video, experts reveal the real-world locations of iconic movie settings, including the hotel from ‘Some Like It Hot. It’s a fascinating look at how movies are influenced by real places, and it might just change the way you watch movies forever.
Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band – Runnin’ Wild (SOME LIKE IT HOT)
Get ready for a musical treat! This vibrant performance of “Runnin’ Wild” by Tatiana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band will transport you back to the golden age of jazz. Whether you’re a fan of “Some Like It Hot” or simply love great music, this video is a must-watch.
Some Like it Hot Manhattan | How to Drink
Calling all cocktail enthusiasts and movie buffs! This video from ‘How to Drink’ is the perfect blend of your two passions. Greg guides you through the art of making a “Sleeper Car Manhattan,” a drink inspired by “Some Like It Hot,” while sharing his insights on the film. It’s a delightful journey that will leave you thirsty for more.
What’s So Hot About Some Like It Hot
Dive into the cinematic brilliance of ‘Some Like It Hot’ with this insightful video analysis. Professor Marc Lapadula takes us on a journey through the film’s iconic performances, masterful directing, and groundbreaking messages. Prepare to gain a newfound appreciation for this timeless classic.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.