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some like it hot

High Contrast Cinema conclude their first season of 2025 with the timeless classic comedy, Some Like It Hot (1959).

 

Directed by the incomparable Billy Wilder, the film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who disguise themselves as women in an attempt to elude the mob after witnessing a massacre in Prohibition-era Chicago.

 

Also starring Marilyn Monroe in one of her signature roles as the deliciously named Sugar Kane, Some Like it Hot was voted Greatest Comedy of All Time in a poll conducted by the BBC of over 250 film critics from 52 countries.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Jack Lemmon

Jack Lemmon

Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis

Marilyn Monroe

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Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, became one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. She began her career as a model before transitioning to film, where her beauty and charisma quickly captivated audiences. Monroe starred in several successful films in the 1950s, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and The Seven Year Itch (1955).

 

Despite her glamorous public persona, Monroe faced numerous personal challenges, including struggles with mental health and tumultuous relationships. Her performances in films like Bus Stop (1956) and Some Like It Hot (1959) showcased her talent and depth as an actress, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Monroe's ability to blend vulnerability with sensuality made her a unique and enduring star.

 

Monroe's life was tragically cut short when she passed away on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. Her legacy endures through her films, photographs, and the lasting impact she had on popular culture. Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of beauty, talent, and the complexities of fame.

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Jack Lemmon

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Jack Lemmon, born on February 8, 1925, in Newton, Massachusetts, was a celebrated American actor known for his versatility in both comedy and drama. He attended Harvard University, where he discovered his passion for acting, and went onto a career that spanned over five decades, during which he starred in more than 60 films. He won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Mister Roberts (1955) and Best Actor for Save the Tiger (1973).

 

Lemmon's collaborations with director Billy Wilder and actor Walter Matthau were particularly notable. He delivered iconic performances in films such as Some Like It Hot (1959), The Apartment (1960), and The Odd Couple (1968) . His ability to portray anxious, everyman characters endeared him to audiences and critics alike. Lemmon also made significant contributions to television and that stage, earning multiple Emmy and Tony nominations.

 

Lemmon passed away on June 27, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. Wilder said of him: "I loved him dearly and he was the best actor I ever worked with."

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Tony Curtis​​​​​

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Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in the Bronx, New York, was an iconic American actor whose career spanned over six decades. He arrived in Hollywood in the late 1940s following enlistment in the US Navy during WWII and signed with Universal Pictures, debuting with an uncredited appearance in Criss Cross (1949). Rising to fame in the 1950s, Curtis became known for his handsome looks, charm, and versatility on screen. He starred in numerous classic films, including The Defiant Ones (1958), Spartacus (1960) and Some Like It Hot (1959) alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, where his comedic flair earned him critical acclaim.

 

He focused more on comedies during the 1960s but his turn in The Boston Strangler (1968) emphasised he could still impress in dramatic roles. He starred alongside Roger Moore in the early 1970s TV show The Persuaders and gradually began a slow withdrawal from screen acting, spending his later years concentrating on painting.

 

Despite facing personal challenges, including battles with addiction and health issues, Tony Curtis remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry thanks to his undeniable talent and charisma. He passed away on September 29, 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring and memorable stars.

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