Some Like It Hot 1959
Of all the genres motion pictures have to offer, comedies tend to age the worst. What was once so gut-bustingly hilarious in 1931 or in some cases just a few years ago, now falls completely flat. Thankfully though, some comedies avoid these pitfalls and somehow find a certain level of timelessness. Billy Wilder's 1959 classic 'Some Like It Hot' is a perfect example of such a film.

The recipe behind this delicious classic comedy is pretty simple -- it is one dose top-quality acting presented with an equal dose of top-quality directing.

The film begins in Chicago, and only a few hours before the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, where band musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) are desperate to secure a new gig. A local agency offers them one in Urbana, but while trying to borrow a car to get there they accidentally witness how mafia boss Spats Colombo (George Raft) and his boys execute a snitch and his accomplices. Realizing that now they absolutely have to get out of Chicago if they are to stay alive, Joe and Jerry join an all-girl troupe heading to Florida. At Union Station, they emerge as Josephine and Daphne and after a warm welcome board the train.

Soon after, the new "girls" engage Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), a sexy ukulele player, and by the time the train reaches Florida earn her trust and friendship. Under the scorching sun, Joe then proceeds to earn her heart while pretending to be a filthy rich bachelor and Jerry captivates the mind of a real millionaire with a taste for the exotic. But the impostors' romantic escapades are put on hold when Spats Colombo and his goons reappear for a high-profile mafia gathering and someone realizes that the two "girls" look awfully familiar.


Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Pat O'Brien
Country: USA
Genre: Comedy, Romance

BD50, 2xDVD9 | 1080p AVC, NTSC | 02:02:18 | 45.7 Gb + 14.4 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Extras:

Commentary - this archival audio commentary features film scholar Howard Suber. It's a very academic affair, focusing on film and comedy theory, breaking down the structure of the film and the use of tropes and techniques to build the laughs, while also going in-depth on Monroe, her personal life and her performance. It was recorded in 1989 and initially appeared on Criterion's LD release of Some Like It Hot.

Billy Wilder and Dick Cavett - in this outstanding archival interview, director Billy Wilder discusses his time in Germany in the beginning of the century and specifically the decadent Berlin that was later on recreated in various classic films, his arrival in America and the evolution of his career, the many stars that he worked with as well as fellow directors that he admired, the production history of Some Like It Hot and some of the challenges that he faced while working with Marilyn Monroe, etc. The legendary director also shares some hilarious stories, including a particularly good one involving Humphrey Bogart and the Shah of Iran. The interview was conducted on January 14 and 15, 1982, for The Dick Cavett Show. In English, not subtitled. (56 min, 1080i).

Marilyn Monroe - in this rare audio interview, Marilyn Monroe talks about her desire to be remembered as a great actress, and discusses her worldwide image as a sex symbol, the unforgiving nature of the film business, and her love for Brooklyn. The interview was conducted by Dave Garroway on June 12, 1955. Audio only. In English, not subtitled. (9 min, 1080p).

Jack Lemmon - presented here is an archival episode of the French television program Cinema cinemas in which Jack Lemmon recalls how he became involved with Some Like It Hot and discusses his work with Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, and director Billy Wilder. The footage was shot on May 15, 1988. In English, with imposed yellow French subtitles. (10 min, 1080i).

Tony Curtis and Leonard Maltin - presented here is a filmed conversation between Tony Curtis and critic Leonard Maltin which features plenty of great information about the production of Some Like It Hot as well as its success. The conversation was filmed for MGM/UA in 2001. In English, with imposed yellow French subtitles. (32 min, 1080i).

Costumes by Orry-Kelly - in this new program, costume designer and historian Deborah Nadoolman Landis and costume historian and archivist Larry McQueen discuss the work of Orry-Kelly and his contribution to Some Like It Hot. The program was created exclusively for Criterion in 2018. In English, not subtitled. (19 min, 1080p).

Behind the Scenes - presented here are three programs that examine the production history and lasting appeal of Some Like It Hot. Included in them are various clips from interviews with director Billy Wilder, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Barbara Diamond, Walter Mirisch, and Curtis Hanson, amongst others. The programs were produced for MGM/UA between 2001 and 2006. In English, not subtitled.
1. The Making of Some Like It Hot. (26 min, 1080i).
2. The Legacy of Some Like it Hot. (21 min, 1080i).
3. Memories from the Sweet Sues. (13 min, 1080i).

Trailer - presented here is a vintage trailer for Some Like It Hot. In English, not subtitled. (3 min, 1080p).