It was directed by Billy Wilder. Billy Wilder directed numerous acclaimed films, including classics like Sunset Boulevard (1950), Stalag 17 (1953), Sabrina (1954), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and his triple Oscar winning The Lost Weekend (1945), as well as film noir staples like Double Indemnity (1944) and Ace in the Hole (1951).

The film stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.

It was shot in black and white even though color film was widely available. The choice was mainly because the makeup of the two male actors did not look convincing in color.

The movie is loosely based on a 1935 French film called Fanfare of Love.

The screenplay was co written by Billy Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond.

It is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Tony Curtis mimicked Cary Grant’s accent for parts of his performance.

Marilyn Monroe had trouble remembering her lines during filming. Monroe’s scenes often required dozens of takes.

The famous “Nobody’s perfect” line was supposedly a last minute addition.

Jack Lemmon wore high heels for much of the movie. He said learning how to walk in high heels was the hardest part of the film.

The movie deals with themes that were considered very bold for its time and was banned in several countries, especially for the cross dressing elements.

The working title was Not Tonight Josephine.

Most of the movie was filmed on sound stages, not real locations.

It was shot in 1958 but released in 1959.

It received six Academy Award nominations.

Marilyn Monroe sang “I Wanna Be Loved by You” in the film.

The cast spent hours each day in makeup for gender disguise scenes.

The film is on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Movies list.

Joe E. Brown played the millionaire Osgood Fielding III.

The train scenes were filmed on a real train set.

Many of the beach scenes were filmed in California.

Director Billy Wilder insisted on multiple rehearsals for comedic timing.

Marilyn Monroe’s costumes were designed to be almost sheer under bright lights.

The speakeasy scenes were carefully choreographed.

Tony Curtis said kissing Marilyn Monroe felt “like kissing Hitler” due to nerves.

The role of Sugar Kane wasn’t written specifically for Marilyn Monroe but she became their ideal leading lady.

The movie was preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry.

The beach hotel scenes were shot at the Hotel Del Coronado. The film helped make the hotel an even more famous place to stay.