9 to 5 (film)

The film centers on three coworkers at Consolidated Companies: Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), a recent divorcee re-entering the workforce; Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), a capable supervisor passed over for promotion; and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), the boss's secretary who is subjected to his sexual harassment. Their boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman), is a chauvinist who takes credit for their work and demeans them. After a series of frustrations, the three women fantasize about revenge, and a mix-up leads them to accidentally kidnap Hart and hold him hostage in his own home. They then secretly run the office, implementing progressive policies like job sharing, flexible hours, and a daycare center, which boost productivity. The film was produced by Bruce Gilbert and Jane Fonda's IPC Films, with a screenplay by Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgins, based on Resnick's original story. It was shot primarily at the Fox Plaza in Century City, Los Angeles, and the interior office scenes were designed to reflect a typical corporate environment of the era.

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton deliver comedic performances that balance slapstick with sharp social commentary. Fonda, who had been known for serious dramatic roles, embraced the comedy, while Tomlin's deadpan timing and Parton's screen debut were widely praised. Dabney Coleman plays the villainous boss with a mix of sleaze and absurdity. Supporting cast includes Elizabeth Wilson as Roz, the office spy who harbors a crush on Hart, and Sterling Hayden as the company's founder, who appears in a cameo. Parton's performance was particularly noted for its warmth and comedic skill, leading to further acting roles. The chemistry among the three leads was a key factor in the film's success, and they later reunited for a 2020 reunion special on Netflix.

9 to 5 was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $103 million domestically against a budget of about $10 million, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 1980. Critics praised its blend of comedy and feminist message, though some noted its tonal shifts. The film's title song, written and performed by Dolly Parton, became a number-one hit on the country and pop charts and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The film is credited with bringing workplace sexism and sexual harassment into mainstream conversation, predating the #MeToo movement by decades. It has been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance. The story was adapted into a stage musical in 2008, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, which ran on Broadway and in London's West End.

Beyond its fame, 9 to 5 has several lesser-known facets. The film's screenplay was originally written by Patricia Resnick as a darker satire, but was reworked into a broader comedy at the insistence of the studio. The 'fantasy sequences' in which each woman imagines dispatching Hart were originally more graphic, but were toned down to maintain a PG rating. The film's office set was built on a soundstage at 20th Century Fox, and the exterior shots used the Fox Plaza building, which later became famous as the Nakatomi Plaza in Die Hard. The character of Doralee was inspired by a real secretary Parton met, and Parton's own experiences with harassment in the music industry informed her performance. The film's release was accompanied by a lawsuit from the National Secretaries Association, which objected to the portrayal of office workers, though the group later embraced the film. The 2020 reunion special, '9 to 5: The Story of a Movement,' explored the film's impact on workplace equality and featured interviews with the cast and activists.

Sexual harassment

Unwanted sexual advances or conduct in the workplace, a central theme of the film.

National Film Registry

A list of films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, maintained by the U.S. Library of Congress.

Fantasy sequence

A film technique where a character imagines an alternative scenario, used in the film for comedic effect.