Why Some Like It Hot is More Than Just a Classic Comedy

When you think of iconic films that shaped Hollywood, Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot has to be at the top of that list. Starring the likes of Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and the effervescent Marilyn Monroe, this film isn’t just a laugh-a-minute caper; it played a pivotal role in shaking up the very foundations of cinematic storytelling.

A Quirky Plot with Serious Repercussions

Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Chicago, Some Like It Hot follows two jazz musicians, Joe and Jerry, who must don dresses and wigs to escape the wrath of mobsters. Hilarity ensues, but beyond the cross-dressing gags and Monroe’s magnetic charm lies a larger story about defying antiquated moral codes in American filmmaking.

Breaking Down Barriers: The Hays Code Takes a Hit

Let’s talk about the Hays Code—a stringent set of guidelines that dictated what could be shown on screens from the 1930s until the 1960s. Think of it as Hollywood’s self-imposed moral compass, created to keep filmgoers “virtuous.” No nudity, no suggestive dances, and certainly no men in drag!

Enter Some Like It Hot, which gleefully flouted these rules. Not only did it feature male leads in dresses, but Monroe’s character was too much of a siren, sipping cocktails and defying conventions. The film’s success—grossing a whopping $25 million on a $2.9 million budget—demonstrated that audiences craved something different.

A Legacy That Changed Everything

Before Some Like It Hot, films like The Man With the Golden Arm had ventured into risqué territory, but this comedy took it to a new level. With its blend of criminality, sexual politics, and unabashed humor, it proved that movies could succeed without the Hays stamp of approval. Audiences were hungry for change, and this film served it up on a silver platter.

By paving the way for more diverse narratives, Some Like It Hot is often considered a key contributor to the eventual collapse of the Hays Code, making way for the MPAA rating system we know today. This evolution allowed filmmakers to explore complicated themes and characters, setting the stage for legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola to create cultural milestones like Jaws and The Godfather.

More Than Just a Movie

So, why should you revisit Some Like It Hot in our contemporary streaming world? Because it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how films can reflect, challenge, and ultimately change societal norms. It’s not just a comedy; it’s a cornerstone of modern cinema.

Now available from the Criterion Collection on 4K, Blu-Ray, and DVD, this film is essential viewing not just for the giggles but for grasping how its audacious spirit led to a revolution in how stories are told in Hollywood. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to laugh, while acknowledging the cultural seismic shifts it represents. Cheers to that! 🍸

Jamie Li

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