By April 1959, Marilyn Monroe was undeniably one of the most celebrated and recognizable movie stars on the planet. Her latest film, the hit comedy ‘Some Like It Hot’, had premiered just weeks before to widespread critical praise and audience enthusiasm. To further promote this successful movie and keep its famous star in the public eye, Monroe took part in a dedicated promotional photoshoot specifically related to the film during that month.
Some Like It Hot
Directed by the acclaimed Billy Wilder and co-starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, ‘Some Like It Hot’ presented Monroe in the role of Sugar “Kane” Kowalczyk. She played the sweet, somewhat vulnerable singer and ukulele player in an all-female band that Curtis and Lemmon’s characters infiltrate while on the run from gangsters. The black and white film, set during the Prohibition era, was already establishing itself as a comedy classic in the spring of 1959.
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In the Hollywood studio system of the 1950s, promotional photoshoots were standard procedure, especially for major films with big stars. The purpose of sessions like the one Monroe undertook in April 1959 was to generate a fresh batch of high-quality photographs, often referred to as publicity stills. These images would then be supplied to newspapers, magazines, and distributors for use in articles, advertisements, and lobby displays, helping to sustain interest in the movie and highlight its star appeal even after the initial release buzz.
While specifics might vary, this type of promotional photoshoot typically occurred in a controlled environment like a professional photography studio. A studio setting allowed the photographer complete control over lighting, backdrops, and props to achieve a polished and glamorous look. The photographer assigned to the session would work with Monroe to capture a range of poses and expressions suitable for wide publication.
