Tonight, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic role in Some Like It Hot is back on BBC Four at 10.15pm.

The comedy from 1959 is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and follows two musicians who witness the St Valentine’s Day Massacre.

They flee the city by joining an all-girl jazz band heading to Florida.

The film, nominated for six Academy Awards, has maintained a solid 94 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Renowned critic Roger Ebert praised it as a timeless gem, while John McCarten called it a “jolly, carefree enterprise.”

The Guardian’s Richard Roud even deemed it “close to perfection.”

Monroe’s performance solidified her status as a ’50s icon and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

This week marks the 60th anniversary of Monroe’s death in 1962.

Despite being one of the most recognizable women globally at the time, Monroe displayed nerves during an encounter with another prominent figure, Queen Elizabeth II.

Author Michelle Morgan details their interaction in her book, When Marilyn Met the Queen: Marilyn Monroe’s Life in England.

The book recounts a moment when Monroe appeared uneasy in the Queen’s presence, despite sharing a neighborhood in Windsor.

In 1956, Monroe met the Queen, engaging in small talk about their shared locality and Windsor.

While this meeting was well-documented, questions remain about the extent of their relationship.

Although Princess Margaret attended premieres at Monroe’s suggestion and had a good rapport with her, the depth of the Queen’s involvement with Monroe remains uncertain.

The Queen was aware of Monroe’s activities while they were neighbors, as evidenced by their proximity and encounters at events like the premiere of Beau Brummell in 1954.

Monroe’s connection with the Queen and other members of the royal family adds intrigue to her life story.

The actress’s encounters with royalty provide a glimpse into a different aspect of her glamorous existence.

Despite Monroe’s stardom, these personal interactions humanize her and showcase her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds.

The setting of Some Like It Hot in Prohibition-era Chicago juxtaposed with Monroe’s real-life encounters with royalty highlights the complexity of her public and private personas.

Monroe’s appeal transcended boundaries, captivating audiences on-screen and intriguing figures off-screen.

The enduring fascination with Monroe’s life underscores her lasting impact on popular culture and icon status.

Image file: Marilyn_Monroe’s_embarrassing_encounter_with_Queen_’Licked_all_her_lipstick_off!