The Reel Review
Three office workers fantasize about exacting revenge on their loathsome “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical” boss, only to find themselves in major trouble when they accidentally almost kill him. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman star in this 1980 farcical comedy about turning the tables on workplace sexism and gender pay inequality.
9 to 5 has a lot to love about it – a cleverly written screenplay, a lovable ensemble cast with great comic timing, sharp ad-libbed jokes from Tomlin, a cute tone-appropriate score, an infectiously fun title song and what is now-vintage late 1970s production and costuming. Even the iconic light blue 1969 Buick Skylark two-door hardtop is a scene stealer.
The film from co-writer/director Colin Higgins (Foul Play, Harold and Maude) hits a perfect blend of silly screwball humor and boundary-pushing social commentary with serious messages about making the workplace more employee friendly with equal pay for women. Incredibly, it’s a comedy that even almost 50 years later, still stands the test of time. Perfection.
REEL FACTS
• Lily Tomlin initially turned down the part of Violet Newstead, later postponing production of her other film, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, to star.
• Dolly Parton’s title song from her film debut won two Grammys and was nominated for an Oscar. It was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for two non-consecutive weeks.
• Jane Fonda so enjoyed working with Dabney Coleman that she cast him in the 1981 Best Picture Oscar-winner, On Golden Pond.
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