"Nobody's Perfect" - The Making of 'Some Like It Hot' with Monroe, Curtis & Lemmon

This amusing TV documentary details the making of the classic 1959 Billy Wilder comedy 'Some Like It Hot,' starring Marilyn Monroe, and features interviews with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, as well as director Billy Wilder and other participants in the movie's production. The programme was first shown in 2001 and is uploaded here with all due acknowledgements.

[@johnwright2911]

The fact that Marilyn had just suffered a miscarriage, and was brilliant in this comedic role, says how amazing of an actress she really was. She was devastated inside, but you'd never know it.

[@ksteiger]

Apparently everyone on set knew it.

[@lisalindsey277]

They should never do a remake when the original cast *MAKES* the movie. “Gone with the Wind” was as much about Vivien and Clark Gable as the plot. “The Wizard of Oz” loses its magic without Judy Garland. This movie is a success because of Billy Wilder, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. You can’t duplicate that. Why even try?

[@Kellystella97]

but a ... like bringing out the same movie same cast just as if new that would be cool to see it on the big screen again

[@angelique___5607]

I agree. I wish Boringwood CGI non-acting crap artists would just simply leave classics ALONE! Ghostbusters, Wizard of Oz, ET, Jaws, Terminator, Predator, Alien, The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra, Gone with the Wind, Some like it Hot. Just bloody leave them alone and get some new ideas of their own! I HATE remakes! Lame!

[@conradkorbol]

Angelique ___ it’s weird cuz revivals are hugely popular in plays, but so many hate remakes. I think remakes can be good. It’s good to revive to bring attention to the old

[@diannakaplan8853]

Explained simply yet ideally. As much as I dislike Tony Curtis, I can't imagine this movie with anyone else playíng Josephine.

[@sorryi6685]

Scarface was remake of 1932 masterpiece. As much as I like this movie, a lot of new generation don't know about this and as long as Hollywood dont try anything woke and stay true to source material, it can be replicated again

[@grahamstubbs4962]

Monroe, Curtis and Lemon. They nailed it.

[@poetcomic1]

Billy Wilder did an interview and talked about working with Marilyn and how insanely difficult it was. How it drove him to near insanity at times. Then he got a look in his eyes and says, "If she lived and had wanted to do another movie I'd do it in a minute, because what you get up there on the screen is pure magic."

[@brysonwest93]

Everyone was wonderful, but Lemmon was absolutely amazing.

[@claramarone5510]

Agree!!!

[@edgarvalderrama1143]

That ending has made me smile for most of my 94 years.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

No doubt 'Some like it Hot' kept you young at 94 !

[@cherriemcbratney162]

Love Jack Lemmon. RIP to a good man.

[@eileen8776]

I don't think anyone could remake this movie. They had the perfect cast which could never be replicated. Excellent movie.

[@carolinecorman1716]

My all time favorite comedy. Jack Lemmon stole the show

[@lynn69jackson]

Him and Joe E Brown stole the movie .

[@chrisnoneyabiz4072]

This movie cannot be remade. You can't remake any Marilyn Monroe movie because she can't be duplicated. She's the greatest icon in Hollywood history.

[@mariexx__]

Did someone say they were going to make a remake ?😳

[@mansoto1]

@@mariexx__ these days, I wouldn’t be surprised. The lack of originality in Hollywood is horrendous.

[@SteamyBun]

So interesting to see the contrast between Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Lemmon seemed to be a good-spirited and kind man - you don't hear him say a mean word about Marilyn, and he credits others for the best bits in the movie. Curtis kinda borders on misogynistic (yeah I know, it was "the times") and a little full of himself. I'm a bigger Jack Lemmon fan after watching this!

[@carleavesceo709]

This movie is a riot. You will laugh so hard. I give it 10 STARS!!!!!!

[@melissagray5348]

I'll never forget the first time I saw Some Like It Hot I was probably 12 or 13 and I had never laughed so hard and I didn't even get all the jokes. It remains my favorite comedy and in my humble opinion it's still the greatest comedy of all time. Marilyn was unbelievably sexy but she was also an incredible comedian who always underestimated herself. Tony and Jack were brilliant as was the supporting cast.

[@gypsybond8651]

Marilyn - so vulnerable and so innocent and so memorable - in this comedy movie. Can't believe she actually sang those songs "Running wild", "I'm through with love" and "I wanna be loved by you"! No matter how many times you watch or rewatch this movie, it never gets boring.

[@TheNewsAnchorYouTrust]

It's 2022 and I can confirm: It's still the best comedy ever written !! 💖

[@lightseeker1053]

I agree 100%! Liebe Grüße aus dem Chiemgau!

[@salmahaik]

2023💫💫💫

[@jbelafonte]

I find it weird that there was no mention of Joe E. Brown. He was an essential part in that movie and the scenes with Jack Lemmon were hilarious.

[@lisajan580]

he wad wonderfull ,both legends

[@michaelmurray3182]

Jack Lemmon is absolutely hilarious in this. One of my favorite movies

[@MissAshley-jq9gl]

i loved grumpy old men lol good movie.

[@vajee5]

Jack Lemmon was terrific. Can’t believe poor Marilyn was made to run and fall while pregnant.☹️

[@marybarratt2649]

I would never want to see a remake of this film. It is a classic and I’ve yet to see any film remake that can top the original.

[@ulrichhille5241]

Honestly, of course you can make a film inspired by SOME LIKE IT HOT. But why do that if the script is not overwhelmingly good? Unfortunately, there is no actress with Marilyn's charisma at the moment. Besides, SOME LIKE IT HOT was a very risky business at the time it was made. No big studio, then or now, makes films like that. Times have also changed, men in drag make headlines today for other reasons. How do you make a comedy out of that without the LGBTQ community setting fire to your cinema or gluing themselves to the screen?

[@notarycat]

Classic film! DO NOT REMAKE THIS! No one today has this quality of talent.

[@sherryglisson4885]

This may be a 60 year old movie but I'll tell you...this really is the best comedy of all time. Marilyn Monroe as sugar cane with her flask of whiskey saying THIS WILL PUT HAIR ON YOUR CHEST to Jack lemon as he was in drag and he takes a sip and replies YOU HAVE NO IDEA...that was priceless cinema history...

[@lisajan580]

also do not forget Charlie Chapline movies when you say best comedie

[@WhateverNWhatNot]

I love Jack Lemmon. I wish he was still around.

[@miltoncallan1471]

Marilyn was simply adorable and really showed a tremendous amount of talent. My favorite comedy of all time.

[@JOSEPHtheFREEMAN]

It hasnt aged one single line, absolutely hilarious, gut wrenchingly funny

[@juliewillard1367]

Marilyn was just magical in this film. I can imagine she was a nightmare to work with and the other actors were frustrated by her but boy she was worth that wait. Love the film ❤

[@shawneedalegrimm9728]

I've always read that directors really had their hands full, but that what always appeared on screen was well worth that wait! I agree with your comment!

[@Shivera1963]

Whatever problems Marilyn Monroe had or caused on set, it would not be the greatest comedy of all time without her.

[@starnight6134]

What magic that was Marilyn Monroe, and great Jack Lemmon

[@michelmurphy7152]

Jacks my all-time favorite 🤩

[@steelers6titles]

Lemmon and the girls having a party in the sleeper on the train is one of the most hilarious scenes in movie history.

[@bridgetbarba4170]

Don't make a remake. This is such a classic and comedic movie.

[@ToughXArmy69]

Marilyn Monroe magnificent in Some Like It Hot and was robbed of a Oscar nomination. Much has been said over the decades since this picture debuted about how difficult MM was on this film. No matter! MM made this film an "event" with press coverage worldwide. This is a brilliant movie and way ahead of its time with the suggestion 2 men could marry.MM was beautiful beyond measure and wow in some scenes wears a dress designed by Orly-Kelly that shows MM nearly naked. Billy Wilder fought with MM and MM fought back. The truth is that MM was his greatest Star and Wilder MM's greatest Director.

[@catwhisperer2358]

Jack Lemon is my favorite part of this movie! I don't know if I would like it as much without him.

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

For all the difficulties, Marilyn reveals herself as a superb comic actress in Some Like It Hot. She outshines everyone else . . .

[@daveenglish2]

She certainly didn't outshine JL & TC.

[@kaleoy7584]

I can't imagine Sinatra ever agreeing to being in a movie where he has to be in drags, much less be in drags for nearly 85% of the movie. This is seriously a classic movie gold. From writing to the production to the cast selection. Hell, even the back story is pretty entertaining, too.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Wilder was apparently thinking about Sinatra playing the part eventually played by Lemmon but nothing ever came of it. At the time, it may have seemed like a "no-brainer"; an established Hollywood movie star vs a relative new comer. Perhaps Frank and/or his "associates" did not think putting "OLE BLUE EYES" into a comedy involving female impersonation, cross dressing AND gangsters was such a good idea?

[@suzannelammens]

Some like it hot is a timeless comedy master piece

[@MayThereBeWorldPeace]

Jack Lemmon, IMO, made the movie.🎬 Marilyn is awesome but Jack was so funny, hilarious. 😂

[@HartmutJagerArt]

ALL were Great !

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Marilyn was excellent but it was Jack and Tony that kept me in stitches. I agree it was the best comedy ever made because of its laughs,performances,banter and perfect story.

[@laurastilwell7949]

"Some Like It Hot" is the best film ever made! My favorite! Marilyn Monroe is so adorable, and Jack Lemmon is hilarious! Such a great film!

[@razilyabrazilia4431]

One of my favorite movies ever! 😍 I've probably watched it 100 times, but it's always like a first time😁❤

[@shaymathiesson8235]

This was the first movie I saw that had Marilyn Monroe in it. She was a great actress and they sure don't make them like they used to! Marilyn was not only beautiful but she was talented and could sing and dance and do so very well too!

[@Polisciandfries]

In fairness, having two back to back miscarriages is awfully harrowing and I can't imagine being able to show up to work either...

[@misskitty2710]

My mother let me watch this with her when I was about 9. Now I can’t wait to show this film to my granddaughter!

[@janedaily128]

DO NOT Remake this movie! It would lose the genuine spirit of this film!

[@Altunuzraids]

At least it would give more attention to the original movie

[@josephine1465]

@@Altunuzraids yes that is always the consequence. Bad Remake=people prefer original.

[@marshallbowen8693]

Saw this classic on Time Square in New York in 1959. I remember being shocked that it was in black and white…….then never stopped laughing until the end. A highlight of the trip. I watch the DVD now whenever I need a good laugh……

[@kasession]

On my list of my favorite movies. For me it runs on Turner Classic Movies. If I EVER see it on their schedule I set a reminder on my phone, and clear that time for watching that movie. I still laugh out loud at the same scenes, which is any scene with Jack Lemmon. 🤣

[@markmarsh27]

It IS the Best Comedy EVER Made! .... If you're dating someone and you want to know if you REALLY like them, watch it with them. .... If they don't LOVE it, get RID of them!

[@narvelancoleman3813]

@Mark Marsh.......LOL!! And.....the same thing applies if they don't like dogs!

[@adamdooley8977]

Well… Nobody’s perfect.

[@brihmendiola4347]

MM was difficult to work with but she was concerned about the results. This film came out to be her best film, unarguably.

[@dawnadriana1764]

I never knew Marilyn was pregnant during the filming. And there she is, running in high heels. So much talk about her "issues" ... anyone heard of hormones in pregnancy?

[@ellynmacgregor8210]

Well, it certainly couldn't have helped that she became pregnant again so soon after that recent miscarriage...and then all the stress of filming...no wonder that she lost *that* baby soon after the production wrapped. :-(

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

There will never be another Marilyn Monroe.

[@BookshelfQBattler]

I'm sure Marilyn had her problems and was difficult to work with but let's be honest. She was worth it. If she were a random dime a dozen actress, she could have been easily replaced but she brought a lot to the movie that's still remembered 65 years later. She was under a lot of pressure and I don't think anyone will ever truly know the cause of her mental problems but it probably didn't help that she was so loved for her beauty yet she probably felt like no one loved her for who she was on the inside. At any rate, it sucks that everyone felt the need to dump on her in this documentary, at least they could have balanced it out with yes she was difficult but in the end, look at the finished product, so she was worth it.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I saw "Some Like it Hot" and Indiana University in 1982. When Marilyn is first seen in the gown that looks more like no gown at all and gives the impression Marilyn is topless you could feel the jolt that went through the crowd that was mainly college students. I can only imagine the reaction the first audiences had in 1959.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Then she did it again when she sang" HAPPY BIIIRTHDAY, MR PRESIDENT!" in the famous "sewn into" gown she wore at JFKs birthday party at Madison Sguare Garden, NYC. NOBODY ever did Marilyn Monroe better than Marilyn Monroe doing Marilyn Monroe. She was unique...

[@iconslegends5230]

Marilyn unique and fantastic !!! Extraordinary Lemmon !!!

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

This is one of the best comedy I’ve ever seen, I was a teen when my father and I watched this film, and will never forget the laughter I saw coming from him in a manner I’ve never seen from him laugh before, till this day we still talk about that day.

[@lastrada52]

Rapid-fire natural dialogue is incredible. As for Marilyn, after I saw her dramatic turn in "Don't Bother To Knock," I knew this girl was a great actress. But when I saw her face in this film on the train whispering "goodnight honey..." to Jack Lemmon -- I was one of the millions of young boys who fell in love with Marilyn again. Great story, wonderful film.

[@rb1691]

That reminds me...I've got to rewatch The Apartment..Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.

[@MoominJude]

Favourite parts: Jack Lemmon actually embracing the fact he got engaged!!, Tony Curtis watching Marilyn from the wings as she sings and Marilyn ‘s vulnerability in the role. One of my favourite films of all time, a comedy masterpiece complete with pathos and moments of hilarity.

[@TomMaze1]

I LOVE IT!..."Some Like It Hot" made in 1959...It truly deserves the affectionate praise!...Brilliant in every department...may everyone appreciate and enjoy this classic! 😊

[@jonidabraha979]

This movie rocks. How its possible that it wasnt recognised like the best comedy made in that time

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Since then it has been regularly ranked Number One as Best Hollywood Movie Comedy and usually in the top 20 of all time best of all Hollywood movies.

[@staceyboomboom8031]

What a gorgeous person Marilyn was and remains today. In every aspect. I hope she is at peace.

[@crowgrl13]

The first time I ever saw this movie was when it came on TV on a random Sunday afternoon when I was a teenager. I'm 46 now, and it remains a favorite. How could someone honestly ever think of remaking it? It's impossible. Nobody could play those roles but the actors in the movie. And NOBODY could play Marilyn.

[@graphiquejack]

yes, as good as Jack and Tony were, no one could replicate the unique comic quality of Marilyn. It would have to be completely differently written with another actress in the role. Part of why it worked was Marilyn at this time was already an icon, and this role was almost a parody of her sex symbol status. At first, you just see Marilyn the actress but she's so talented, you see the comedy and the vulnerability that she adds to the characterization that makes her human, and not just an icon. I don't think there's been an actress since that has that same quality.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

How could someone honestly ever think of remaking it? Hmm, Idiots can !

[@KrystalStardust-i9c]

I just watch this with a friend and we laughed our ass off, it still holds up today.

[@hannekedenhartog]

Iconic masterpiece! And MM is perfect and unforgettable!

[@MatimoreAgain]

My favorite movie. When I was interviewed for filmschool entry I was asked my top films and this was my #1. When asked why I responded, "It feels like 15 mins. Time flies when you're having fun." Also, sweet memories of my childhood and my mom watching this on Ch. 9 in NJ. Early 80s. WPIX. In the middle of the night. One of my favorite and dearest memories of my mom and I.

[@AniMerci]

Still my favorite picture of all time. SLIH shines brighter than ever. 🌟

[@Blonde_Somnambulist]

This was the greatest movie of its genre to come out of Hollywood, Monroe was excellent but wow ! was there ever such good performances as those of Tony and Jack ?

[@ellynmacgregor8210]

AND let's not forget those marvelous supporting players, such as: Joe E. Brown, George Raft, and (one of my favorites) Nehemiah Persoff ("Little Bonaparte")!

[@hunterking4045]

My all time favorite film. Genius director and cast. Marilyn was indeed the right choice even though she had difficulties.

[@CissyBrazil]

I loved seeing this movie back in the day. Jack Lemmon was the best! We would laugh and laugh mostly at Jack Lemon. In my opinion, he had a better feel for comedy than Tony Curtis.

[@dementednun1175]

Yes but one of them had to be the straight man

[@kaidgardner2922]

i love that movie I can watch it over and over.

[@susiemason6864]

No they should NEVER even think about a remake. There are NO stars like these anymore. Incomparable acting and comic timing. Why not show Classical films like these in big cinemas. So the kids of today can see how it works and should be done. NO special effects needed. Pure genius , acting and writing and comic timing. It would be ruinous to try and remake it, just like the classisms Rebecca was a flop. Just show the originals. There was and is a reason why people love them.

[@rongendron8705]

I agree about no remake, but they are doing well with the stage version, right now!

[@garyhunt8067]

Definitely. Leave it as it is

[@geordiecanuck2696]

BRAVO! Well said. Stage is one avenue to shine light on great talent, scripts, or acting. It changes with every live performance and grows like a beautiful flower. However, I, for one, am sick of special effects trumping actual story complexity and acting talent. Any tech-savvy individual can invoke AI and create stuff with little effort by reimagining the previous effort of others. Originality and the indescribable magic of an excellent script interpreted by visionaries and true artists captured in a perfect moment and shared with the world can not be manufactured by coding.

[@marthawoodworth]

No need for a remake. The first is so perfect, leave it alone. It would be like making a fake diamond.

[@darrellsimpson6966]

My favourite movie by far. Marylin just fabulous. Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon just perfect. Who could have done it better. It makes me laugh so. It still does.

[@analauratorrespaz3345]

Lemmon, Curtis & Monroe made a brilliant performance. Jack is gorgeous and funny at the same time. Tony was so attractive. I ❤️ this movie.

[@DOLfirst]

How Ben Hur won Best Picture over Some Like It Hot is beyond me. This has to be Best Picture of all time. Hilarious. One of a kind...let's keep it that way.

[@divox9pqr]

No matter the cost...Some Like It Hot was movie magic....Hollywood Gold.

[@Jess-vv4nq]

I love this film. One of my favorite comedies. That ending line has got to be one of the best lines in a comedy movie

[@philiphudgens4726]

I'm 32 - this is in my top 10 favourite movies of all time. "Real diamonds - they must be worth their weight in gold!"

[@HartmutJagerArt]

I'm 83 and I've seen many, many movies - and clearly 'Some like it hot' is the best comedy movie ! By Far !

[@who9387]

One of my all-time favourite films and the line "well nobody's perfect" was a great ending.

[@chlidera75]

Best of best comedies ever

[@rebeccalowe-hodges8162]

Jack Lemmon. A TRUE Star.

[@jadezee6316]

the camera loved monroe more than any other actor in film history

[@karlakor]

I don't think the camera loved Marilyn Monroe any more than it did Greta Garbo.

[@tobiasmontoya9780]

I tell you 1 thing , they knew how to write original scripts back then . It was a helareus move with a complex plot . Enjoyed watching it .

[@MyLady120]

Absolutely. Nobody is perfect. The best movie of all time. May they all Rest In Peace.

[@njhansen9815]

Monroe was beyond talented!!! She made every movie better.

[@kasession]

One of my FAVORITE movies!!! You can't remake perfection!!!

[@jbfonfrias9133]

Still ranks as one of my all-time favorite movies. No matter how many times I watch it, that final scene always breaks me up. A true classic for always !

[@MissWitchiepoo]

The same here, I love the last scene and have seen it so many times:)

[@karolinesmail489]

One of my all time favorite s WELL NO ONES PERFECT♥️✌️😘

[@anastasiaromanova7665]

I absolutely love Frank Sinatra but I can’t imagine this film without Jack Lemmon

[@anairenemartinez165]

There are great actors not fit for some great movies. This is perfection as it is.

[@berlinzerberus]

Very funny and gorgeous Thank you!

[@janeck.8695]

I know this film almost by heart and it still makes me laugh. This classic has no equal. I hope there wil never be a remake.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

She really was something else...too bad she didnt or couldnt believe she was as spectacular as she was.

[@idfy2599]

Everyone in movies MM made ALWAYS comment about her difficulty with being on time, multiple takes, etc. Well, she obviously was worth it. Who could they get to play SUGAR? WILDER knew what she brought to a film. Results.

[@janisthompson9801]

I D F Y Absolutely!!!

[@ellynmacgregor8210]

Also, if she hadn't been cast--thus guaranteeing an audience--Wilder wouldn't have been allowed to cast a comparative unknown: Jack Lemmon. And as great as MM was, the movie would never have been half as iconic without Jack's incredible work.

[@draganpaunovic5596]

Wilder had her in the move seven year itch 1954, with that dress flying up ward which is another classic scene for that period of time in the world .So he knew her and hers capabilities .

[@annesantiago2003]

Please do not ruin the movie by making a remake of "Some Like It Hot". Respect an American Classic by not messing up with it

[@TheVerbalVolley]

It is so ironic how a persons perspective can change over time. When Billy was interviewed immediately after the film was completed, he said that his psychiatrist had advised him to never due another movie with MM for his own mental well-being. Flash forward a few decades, and Billy absolutely melted in his opinion of MM. He said that he would literally get on his knees and beg her to do a film with him, because she had a luminescence that no other actress had, before or since. Shortly before his passing, he said that he would see a film, and see all of its flaws. He said that he often felt that the only way the movie would have succeeded was if MM was in the lead role. This was after she had passed away quite a while before.

[@EMBEEAY]

You never realize what you have until it’s gone

[@davem8836]

"Are you the new girls?" "Brand new!"

[@aavvcc]

😂😂😂

[@MaximTendu]

My Asian partner is learning English and two days ago she found in her book the words "sidesplitting" and "incognito". I decided to give her some visual aid. She's still laughing. What strikes me the most is that Billy Wilder (Austrian) and I.A.L. Diamond (Romanian) weren't even English native speakers. What a perfect screenplay- to say nothing of the acting and the direction. Zowie!

[@terryc4883]

My mom and I watch this every week. I always laugh at Baltimore Ohio.

[@trickeyD]

Just watched this film again after probably over a decade. So great!

[@SusanGaskin]

Awesome comedy! Jack Lemon was hilarious and the music was great too!

[@elainekent7026]

My all time favourite movie, Jack Lemmon slays me.

[@Kat.Evangeline14]

This is my favorite movie of all time!

[@Kat.Evangeline14]

Those planes are still flying over the hotel every 15 minutes.

[@juliamcintyre5012]

This is unique, outstanding and unbeatable so even trying to copy would be a waste of time.

[@truecynic1270]

Brilliant writing, brilliant script and brilliant casting!!!!!!!! And.................class!