Billy Wilder directs Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in this cross dressing comedy where two male musicians avoid the mob by joining an all-girl revue.

I’m going to get thrown into movie jail for only liking and respecting this one, aren’t I? It is one of Natalie’s favourites, so I’m damned unless I give it 10 out of 10, anyway. So let’s just go for it! It lacks the acidic bite of The Apartment and Technicolor decadence of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Just so you know what paradigm I’m working from when I concede it is a great watch that I just can’t get myself to love as much as I should. Monroe is fantastic, she looks a million bucks and breathlessly delivers as a vulnerable yet sweet showstopper. Jack Lemmon can do this kinda farce in his sleep. I’ve less time for Tony Curtis – a pugnacious and unappealing presence. He makes like he’s Dean Martin but I don’t see the attraction. Maybe that’s the joke? And there are points where the mechanics of the plot grind slower and clunkier than is really forgivable for a dipped in gold, five star indisputable comedy classic. It is still often a witty rush of iconic moments, sexy moments and funny moments. I’m just not sure the leading man is worth our or Sugar Kane’s time yet the narrative leans towards him over the other two with frustrating regularity.

8 (A fine score, not “the fuzzy end of the lollipop”)

Check out my wife Natalie’s Point Horror blog https://cornsyrup.co.uk

We also do a podcast together called The Worst Movies We Own. It is available on Spotify or here https://letterboxd.com/bobbycarroll/list/the-worst-movies-we-own-podcast-ranking-and/