Jazz, romance, mobsters and laugh-out-loud comedy as Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (1959) returns to the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre. One of the most beloved American films of all time, this comedy will screen on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m.
The story follows two struggling musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who accidentally witness the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 Chicago. Fearing for their lives, they scramble to escape town and land the only available gig, playing in an all-female jazz band headed to sunny Florida.
To take the job, they don wigs, dresses, heels and adopt the personas of Josephine and Daphne. But the real trouble begins when they meet the band’s lead singer and ukulele player, the irresistible Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe.
As Joe as “Josephine” falls head over heels for Sugar, and Jerry as “Daphne” finds himself being pursued by a millionaire suitor, the film delivers a riotous comedy of errors full of mistaken identity, gender-bending hijinks and sharp one-liners. From train car shenanigans to moonlit beach romances, Wilder masterfully blends farce with charm, setting the gold standard for romantic comedy for generations to come.
What truly makes Some Like It Hot endure is its perfect mix of comedic timing, bold subject matter and sincere emotion. The trio of Curtis, Lemmon and Monroe creates electric chemistry that still pops off the screen. Monroe’s performance, often praised as one of her finest, showcases both her comedic instincts and dramatic depth.
She embodies Sugar with fragility and hope, dreaming of a better life while navigating the disappointments she’s known. Lemmon’s portrayal of Jerry/Daphne, with his expressions, physicality and delivery, earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Curtis balances suave charm and zany disguise, especially in scenes where Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win Sugar’s affection.
Curtis should have been nominated, too. The film received six Academy Award nominations and took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design and rightly so. Orry-Kelly’s wardrobe design is awesome in both comedy and authenticity.
Beyond the laughter, Some Like It Hot was revolutionary in its approach to gender and identity. Released during the strict enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code, the film gleefully thumbed its nose at conventions of the day. The idea of two men dressing as women and navigating romantic entanglements was considered taboo.
Some Like It Hot is more than just a comedy. Its clever script and unforgettable performances make it a film that appeals to all ages, bringing joy and laughter no matter how many times you watch it. For Fayetteville residents, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Hollywood’s golden era. The film reminds us that life doesn’t always go according to plan and sometimes, the only way to survive is to laugh through the chaos.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – 4:30 p.m. Rating: Approved. Runtime: 2hr 1min

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)