The 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot may not cause actual burns, but the film has scorched its competition for AFI’s 100 Funniest American Movies of All Time. Some Like It Hot follows the story of two male musicians who disguise as women after accidentally witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Never seemingly outdated, the plot stays fresh and relatable to a majority of comedy lovers to this day.
Not only does Some Like It Hot feature a strong and historical cast, including Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, the film also contains multiple types of comedy, making it suitable for all different kinds of viewers. If you are a fan of slapstick, you will enjoy the charming banter and physical comedy between main characters Joe and Jerry. For viewers who marvel at ironic situations and observational humor, watching the short, plump man named Beanstalk and listening to Sugar’s conversations with the two men she presumes are women companions will sure have you rolling.
This film has excelled at using screwball comedy to pull the viewer right into the time period and farcical situations these characters present. Screwball comedy is described as a new take on the everlasting battle of the sexes. This form of comedy usually depicts a central male character’s masculinity challenged. A technique of doing this is fast-paced repartee and slapstick. The clip below demonstrates the screwball humor and challenge of mistaken identities.
While many films set in the Great Depression era involved the screwball comedy genre, Some Like It Hot, exclusively inspired current films we view today such as the 2004 crime comedy White Chicks. This is interesting considering Some Like It Hot was actually extremely similar to the 1951 German film “Fanfares Der Liebe.” Director Billy Wilder made note that he had not seen the previous German film before creating Some Like It Hot; however, multiple similarities between the two films could possibly suggest otherwise. Whatever the case, this plot has managed to catch on with the ever-changing modern audience.
I would agree with AFI’s selection of Some Like It Hot for best classic American comedy, and I only recently viewed this film. The light-hearted humor creates a film appropriate for young and old viewers. While considered a comedy, I think the film touches on all different genres for all movie fans. Along with the humor, romance and crime are interlaced into the action-filled 1929 gangster setting.
One of the most important elements to this film would be the underlying message of how women were treated in this era. The film shows how men viewed women as objects over equals. A great example of this can be seen in the bellhop’s persistent flirting with “Josephine,” Joe’s disguise. Watching Joe and Jerry experience this treatment is a humorous take on showing the unjust gender roles of the time.
Now it is time for your input. Do you also believe Some Like It Hot is the best comedic classic? If not, what are some classic American films you deem as funniest of all time? Take the poll below to vote for your favorite!
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