The plot is a lot deeper than the cross-dressing, too, giving a logical series of events for the disguise. The mob murder they witness at the start of the plot keeps them on the run from the gangsters right until the end of the film, and the disguise is their only way out of city where the crime took place. As starving artist musicians, they find the rare opportunity to leave Chicago immediately for a while in a band. Only they would need to be under 25. And blonde. And female. Cue disguises. The fact that everybody sees them as female and the men around them are attracted to them isn't played for laughs; it's the men's sleazy behaviour that is the joke, and their realisation of what the women around them face, as well as their trouble staying in character around attractive women.

The romance parts of the romantic comedy aren't as detailed as they could be, but the every plot development is exciting and easy to follow. The band does sort of fall into the background towards the end, playing without their saxophone and double bass for some reason. The end of the film does have a sort of happy ending, with the iconic scene and the line you were waiting for. And just like Osgood says to Daphne/Jerry, nobody's perfect. It's worth a watch but it's unlikely to become your favourite film.

Marilyn Monroe is a sex icon, and her wardrobe in this film is outstanding. She sings a Betty Boop esque "I Wanna Be Loved By You" in a dress that gives a strong impression of toplessness while still being very classy. Covered in glittering sequins, it also has an open back that shows off her curviness. She plays the "dumb blonde" archetype incredibly well, but even as the eye candy there is more to her character; she's the only one that calls herself "not very bright" and shrugs off the criticism of running off with another broke sax player who has already lied to her. The levels of depth to all the main characters is probably why it's stood the test of time. 

The soundtrack, all by Cat Stevens, complements it perfectly; you'll walk away from this film with 'If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out' happily stuck in your head. Just as the song gives a bettering message, the viewer can be bettered by Maude along with Harold. The abandon that she enjoys life with is contagious and her reckless antics with make you giggle at the very least. Watching her borrow Harold's car may even be the highlight of the film.

Likewise, the dark comedy of Harold's suicides are as funny as they are awful. The sight of his mother completely ignoring the fact that he appears to be dead, carrying on with conversation and chores as if he were simply reading a book, reflects his disinterest in the serious adult aspects of life. At the end of the film he may or may not be ready, but he certainly has a new outlook on life.

This film deserves its cult classic status, and is definitely worth at least one viewing. Even if you don't like it, you can tick it off the list.