Some Like It Hot

Definition

Some Like It Hot is a classic American comedy film directed by Billy Wilder, released in 1959. The film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from mobsters, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations. Its themes of cross-dressing and gender identity connect deeply with censorship practices of the time, the influence of the Hays Code on film content, and the evolving portrayal of gender roles and sexuality in pre-1960s cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Some Like It Hot is often hailed as one of the greatest comedies of all time, celebrated for its sharp wit and humorous take on serious topics like identity and sexuality.
2. The film cleverly navigated around the restrictions imposed by the Hays Code by using humor and innuendo to address themes that were otherwise considered taboo.
3. Both Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon's performances as male characters disguised as women showcased a playful approach to gender roles, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.
4. Marilyn Monroe's role as Sugar Kane was not only iconic but also contributed to discussions about sexuality in film, as her character's desires and vulnerabilities are central to the plot.
5. The film's ending promotes acceptance and love regardless of gender, making it a progressive piece for its time while also reinforcing comedic stereotypes.

Review Questions

• How does Some Like It Hot use humor to navigate the restrictions imposed by the Hays Code?
  • Some Like It Hot employs humor as a clever tool to bypass the constraints of the Hays Code, which enforced strict moral guidelines on film content. By using innuendos, slapstick comedy, and absurd situations surrounding cross-dressing, the film explores themes of sexuality and identity without explicitly violating censorship rules. This approach allowed it to address complex issues while remaining entertaining and acceptable for audiences at the time.
• In what ways do the characters' experiences in Some Like It Hot challenge traditional gender roles?
  • The characters in Some Like It Hot, particularly Joe and Jerry disguised as women, challenge traditional gender roles through their comedic portrayal of femininity and masculinity. As they navigate their new identities, they face societal expectations while subverting stereotypes related to gender behavior. Their experiences highlight the fluidity of gender roles during that era and contribute to discussions about identity that were less common in films prior to this one.
• Evaluate how Some Like It Hot reflects societal attitudes towards sexuality and identity during the late 1950s and its impact on future cinema.
  • Some Like It Hot reflects societal attitudes towards sexuality and identity in the late 1950s by boldly addressing themes of cross-dressing and desire within a comedic framework. The film's nuanced portrayal of characters navigating complex identities paved the way for more open discussions around these topics in future cinema. Its impact is seen in how it influenced later films to explore LGBTQ+ themes more openly, pushing against boundaries set by earlier censorship practices and expanding representations of gender and sexuality on screen.

Related terms

Hays Code: A set of industry moral guidelines that dictated what was acceptable in American films from the 1930s until the 1960s, impacting the content, themes, and characters presented on screen.

Cross-Dressing: The act of wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite gender, which plays a significant role in the film's comedic plot and commentary on gender identity.

Gender Fluidity: The concept of gender being a spectrum rather than a binary classification, which is subtly addressed through character interactions and societal norms depicted in Some Like It Hot.