Some Like It Hot: Me, Marilyn and the Movie - Hardcover

In early 1958 legendary director Billy Wilder offered Tony Curtis the chance to star in a new picture. The movie was to be called Some Like It Hot; it went on to become one of the best-loved films of all time. Now, fifty years on from its first release, this is the true story of what really went on behind-the-scenes during the making of the funniest movie of all time, told by one of its leading ‘ladies’.

For the first time, Tony Curtis shares the many as-yet-untold secrets from the set in his own inimitable voice. He speaks frankly about his working relationship with Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder, as well as his romance with Marilyn Monroe. Here too is the truth behind Monroe’s erratic behaviour, which almost scuppered the production. Featuring many rarely seen photographs from his private collection and numerous personal anecdotes, this is an insider’s account of the making of a Hollywood classic.

‘The story is this,’ said Billy. ‘There are two musicians. Friends. They witness a murder. The murderer recognizes them and chases them. To get away, the two men dress up as women. Then they join an all-women band. But there’s a beautiful girl singer. Both of our boys fall for her. Of course, they can’t admit they’re boys. There’s our conflict. And there’s our story.’ He paused. ‘Maybe you don’t like it.’

‘A near flawless film’ The Times

‘Some Like It Hot is one of the greatest comedies ever’ BBC