Why Marilyn Monroe Struggled to Nail a Simple Line in ‘Some Like It Hot’

Marilyn Monroe is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in Hollywood history, known for her unmatched screen presence and timeless appeal. Yet behind the glamour and allure was a performer whose road to delivering a legendary performance wasn’t always smooth. Director Billy Wilder, who helmed two of Monroe’s most celebrated films—The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot—knew better than anyone how much effort went into perfecting her moments on screen.

A Challenging Path to Recognition

Monroe’s career was often defined by her struggle to prove herself as more than just a sex symbol. In a Hollywood system that prioritized her marketability over her artistic ambitions, she rarely had the opportunity to fully showcase her range. It was only with directors like Billy Wilder that she found herself on sets where her talent could be pushed and shaped into performances that stood the test of time.

Her first major recognition came when she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for Some Like It Hot. Though it was her only notable acting award, it was a triumph that reflected the careful direction and perseverance Wilder brought to their collaboration. Wilder, who won six Oscars over his storied career, saw in Monroe a star who could be coaxed into brilliance—even if it took more takes than anyone else.

A Grueling 80 Takes for One Line

One of Wilder’s most revealing recollections about working with Monroe concerned a simple line of dialogue. “Where’s that bourbon?” Three words. Yet, for Monroe, delivering that line during the filming of Some Like It Hot became a monumental challenge. According to Wilder, it took a staggering 80 takes before she finally nailed it.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Wilder said of the process, “That was Marilyn Monroe, before we could get the line straight. Just a little line like, ‘Where’s that bourbon?’ She couldn’t get it.” Wilder acknowledged that while the sheer number of takes might seem excessive, it was ultimately worth it to preserve Monroe’s performance. “You have to remember,” he explained, “when a man muffs a line and they do it again and again and again, then you replace him because he plays a small part. Marilyn was the star. She does the takes because it’s going to be in the picture.”

Monroe’s Perseverance and Wilder’s Patience

While such a high number of takes might test the patience of most filmmakers, Wilder understood the stakes involved in working with a star of Monroe’s magnitude. His persistence and her resilience ensured that what ended up on screen was nothing short of iconic. Despite the difficulties, Wilder saw the transformation—how the shy Norma Jeane Mortenson became the electrifying Marilyn Monroe that audiences loved and admired.

Monroe’s eventual performance in Some Like It Hot, alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, was a revelation. The film remains one of the greatest studio comedies ever made, with Monroe’s charisma and comedic timing central to its enduring success. Wilder’s commitment to drawing out her best, even if it meant dozens of takes, highlights the delicate balance required to create cinematic magic.

An Icon’s Legacy

The story of those 80 takes reveals a side of Monroe that often goes unnoticed: her dedication, vulnerability, and drive to meet the expectations placed upon her. While the industry may have tried to box her in, Marilyn Monroe’s work with directors like Billy Wilder demonstrated her ability to shine under pressure and leave an indelible mark on Hollywood history.

In the end, Wilder’s recollections remind us of the complexities behind the legend. Monroe was more than a glamorous figure—she was a star who, despite challenges, delivered performances that still captivate audiences decades later.