20 Films From The 1950s That Everybody Should Watch

17. Some Like It Hot

1959's screwball comedy Some Like It Hot is remembered not only as one of Marilyn Monroe's most iconic performances, but also as one of Billy Wilder's most classic films. Having written and directed it, the film is filled to the brim with genuine laughs and smart dialogue, making it a surprisingly intelligent film in spite of its silliness. In fact, the performances are solid throughout. Male leads Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon were even given in-depth training by famous drag queen Barbette in the art of female impersonation, and the two of them carry it off with far more grace and likability than Shawn and Marlon Wayans would five decades later in White Chicks. The film may have been a critical success and an instant classic, but the Roman Catholic Church weren't fans. It is one of the only American films to which their Legoin of Decency have awarded a 'Condemned' rating. They must prefer it cold.