42 Years Of Working “9 To 5!”
It’s one of the funniest – yet also most insightful – films about female empowerment in the workplace, released at a time when the workplace was anything but equal!
In 1980, Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabny Coleman starred in this comedy about women who got fed up with being sexually harassed by men in the workplace!
Check out the trailer:
This empowered comedy sent a message that a new day was coming – a day when women didn’t have to be subservient to their male co-workers – and that sexual harassment was going to be called out.
Of course, it has taken decades longer for that despicable behavior to finally be brought to light, but the film was a clarion call for female empowerment and female rights – and the film was a smash hit!
“9 To 5” was Dolly Parton’s movie debut, and signaled a entirely new aspect of her amazing career. Many don’t realize she wrote such songs as “I Will Always Love You”, which became a timeless classic thanks to Whitney Houston’s rendition.
Dolly’s Songwriting Surprise!
So how did the film’s title song come about?
According to IMDB.com, the first time Parton arrived with the title song, she “played it on her fingernails.” She sang it ‘a capella’ and played the beat on her nails. “You gotta have falsies to do this,” adds Parton, “and the nails have to be artificial as well.”
Hilarious – and pure Dolly!
Parton was a natural in the role – the camera loved her and she loved it as well! Also, the camaraderie between the three Actresses is what makes the film work so well…
The Origins Of “9 To 5!”
So how did this empowered female comedy get made?
Well, it turns out that Jane Fonda, by then a very polarizing anti-war advocate and two-time Best Actress Oscar winner, had an idea for a dark workplace comedy about women, and it was pure “kismet” that she ended up working with Lily Tomlin!
Here is the story of how they first met, as shared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show!”
So, Jane Fonda goes to see Lilly Tomlin’s one woman show, and the rest is history!
Of course, Parton’s “sex kitten” look was perfect in the role of the Secretary being harassed by an awful male boss – and that made the revenge even more delicious!
Dabney Coleman was prefect as the lecherous boss who gets his due, but here’s some more great trivia!
According to IMDB, Dolly accepted the role with the condition that she would write and sing the theme song, which was nominated for an Academy Award and won two Grammys!
It’s one of the most iconic “working” songs – see more of them here!
If you want another “empowered female” film that was a box office hit, check out this “Working Girl:”
What a cast and what a great film!
Melanie Griffith was nominated for “Best Actress” for her role of Tess McGill, a “working girl” who finds how tough the corporate world can be!
Click here for more on this great comedy:
One more hilarious film about the workplace:
This is a great one, thanks in part to a small Richard Pryor role that pops off the screen – and a great soundtrack as well!
Click here to see more, including the film’s trailer:
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Categories: Art, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Great Films, Movies, Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
Timeless fun that everyone can enjoy. The other choices are great ones too, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I loved this movie!!
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Crazy that we are still discussing these problems. Tootsie (1982) is another great comedy about gender inequality in the workplace.
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Yes indeed!
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this movie was way ahead of it’s time and so wonderful and refreshing.
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YES! Thanks for the comment!
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