A very entertaining and clever comedy!

Rating: 9/10 (5 May 2007)

"Some Like It Hot", 1959
***.5 (Very Good)
A mini, capsule review. I viewed this film yesterday for the first time. I already knew the reputation of this film as one of Hollywood's best comedies. I was impressed and entertained by the clever and insightful screenplay, acting, film editing and directing. The story is set in 1929 Prohibition Chicago and then moves to Miami. This was one of the first films of it's kind for it's day back in 1959. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are funny as two down on their luck musicians who witness a gangster murder, aka: The St. Valentines's Day Massacre. They go on the run from the gangsters and decide to go to Miami disguised as women while accompanying other traveling female musicians.
Billy Wilder directed and co-wrote the adapted screenplay to this film. From this film and his previous past successes, Wilder has displayed a real talent for creative and insightful screenplays. In this film, he uses his social commentary style to positive effect in a cross dressing comedy. "Some Like it Hot" also makes fun of gangster films. Production values are high: cinematography, art direction and makeup. Wilder actually chose to photograph this film in black and white because of the garish makeup designs of it's two acting leads: Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. "Some Like It Hot" succeeds on several levels: funny and insightful social commentary and acting. The editing and directing show a natural pacing and rhythm that works very well for a comedy film. One of Hollywood's best ever films of any genre.