with Tony Curtis , Jack Lemmon
Marilyn Monroe , star of this comedy masterpiece, died 20 years ago this week. Her performance as a tipsy, ukulele-playing singer in an all-girl orchestra is one of her most memorable roles.
It's Chicago 1929-the pre-depression, flapper era dominated by prohibition, hot music and tough racketeers. When Joe and Jerry, two under-employed musicians witness the St Valentine's Day massacre, they nearly become victims themselves. The only escape is a jazz band heading for Florida. With Curtis and Lemmon in drag, joining Marilyn, this spoof on gangster movies rapidly becomes one of Hollywood's most inventive comedies.
Paradise...EDWARD G. ROBINSON jr A
Screenplay by BILLY WILDER and I. A. L. DIAMOND from a storv by R. THOEREN and M. LOGAN Produced and directed bv BILLY WILDER
(Reflections o/ Marilyn Monroe on Radio 2, Thursday 10.0 pm)