9 to 5 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three underestimated secretaries accidentally kidnap their awful boss, then accidentally make the office amazing while he’s tied up, and then he accidentally gets sent to Brazil forever; it’s all just a series of happy accidents!

🍿 9 to 5: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Three Unhappy Employees

The movie introduces Violet Newstead, a competent and experienced office supervisor consistently passed over for promotions due to her gender. Judy Bernly is a newly divorced woman entering the workforce for the first time, struggling to adapt to office culture. Doralee Rhodes, a country-charm type, deals with constant harassment and rumors spread by their boss, Franklin Hart Jr.

Hart’s Harassment and the Accidental Poisoning

Franklin Hart Jr. embodies the sexist and power-hungry boss. He sexually harasses Doralee, takes credit for Violet’s work, and generally makes life miserable for his employees. A series of events leads to Violet accidentally poisoning Hart, thinking she’s putting rat poison in his coffee.

The Kidnapping and Office Takeover

Believing they’ve killed Hart, the women frantically try to cover up the poisoning. When Hart reappears, they accidentally kidnap him and hold him hostage in his own home. With Hart out of the office, Violet, Judy, and Doralee implement positive changes, improving employee morale and productivity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda): A recently divorced and inexperienced woman who enters the workforce and finds strength in her friendships with her coworkers.
• Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin): A hardworking and intelligent office supervisor constantly overlooked for promotions due to her gender.
• Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton): A kind-hearted and voluptuous secretary wrongly accused of having an affair with her boss.
• Franklin Hart, Jr. (Dabney Coleman): The sexist, egotistical, lying, and hypocritical boss who mistreats his female employees.
• Roz (Elizabeth Wilson): Hart’s loyal administrative assistant who acts as his eyes and ears in the office.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Violet: “I’m gonna get credit for something around here!” – Violet expresses her frustration at being overlooked and unappreciated at work.
• Doralee: “I’m no dumbbell. I’m just blonde.” – Doralee defends herself against the stereotype that she is unintelligent because of her appearance.
• Judy: “If I want to do M&M’s, that’s fine with me!” – Judy responds to her ex-husband’s misunderstanding about S&M equipment, asserting her independence.
• Franklin Hart, Jr.: “I swear, if I had a gun, I’d shoot you all!” – Franklin Hart, Jr. makes a frustrated outburst towards his employees, foreshadowing the women’s revenge fantasies.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $103,290,500
• Worldwide Gross: $103,303,473

💥 9 to 5 Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love ‘9 to 5’! It’s one of those movies that makes me feel good, and I can watch it again and again. Dolly Parton is amazing, and the scene where they’re all high, dreaming up ways to get rid of their boss, is pure comedic gold. Seeing the women turn the tables and create a better workplace is so satisfying. It’s not just funny; it’s empowering! I can’t recommend it enough.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of feminist comedies”
  • “Those interested in workplace satires”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female characters”
  • “People who enjoy classic 1980s comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual harassment”
  • “Implied drug use”
  • “Comedic violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “A breezy, enjoyable comedy that balances sharp satire with broad humor. Tomlin, Fonda, and Parton shine, making a clear statement about workplace inequality without ever feeling preachy. Coleman’s performance as the boss you love to hate is also memorable.
• The New York Times: ““Nine to Five” is one of the funniest films of the 1980’s. Coleman is an excellent foil for Parton, Fonda, and Tomlin. You will be laughing so much.

Audience Reactions

The fantasy sequences are hilarious and creative, especially Violet’s Snow White-inspired revenge.: Viewers consistently praise the comedic chemistry between the three leads and the film’s empowering message.

Dabney Coleman is perfectly cast as the vile, sexist boss you love to hate.: Many appreciate the film’s blend of humor and social commentary, highlighting its continued relevance.

Overall Consensus: A classic comedy loved for its strong female leads, empowering message, and memorable performances.

Awards

1. People’s Choice Awards (Favorite Motion Picture Comedy)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dolly Parton wrote and performed the theme song ‘9 to 5’ for the film, which became a major hit and earned her an Academy Award nomination.”
• “Jane Fonda was instrumental in getting the film made, as she wanted to produce a movie that addressed women’s issues in the workplace.”
• “The film was a box office success, grossing over $103 million against a budget of $10 million, making it one of the highest-grossing comedies of 1980.”
• “Lily Tomlin’s character, Violet, was originally intended to be named ‘Violet Stempel’, but Tomlin suggested ‘Newstead’ instead.”

🖥️ How to Watch 9 to 5?

Looking to watch ‘9 to 5’? You can stream it on various platforms, including Hulu and Amazon Prime Video (with a subscription). It’s also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 9 to 5, you might like these similar films:

• The First Wives Club (1996): A group of women band together to get revenge on their ex-husbands, similar to the women in 9 to 5 taking revenge on their boss.
• Office Space (1999): This comedy also portrays the frustrations and absurdities of office life, with employees rebelling against a tyrannical boss.
• Horrible Bosses (2011): This more modern comedy shares the theme of disgruntled employees plotting against their terrible bosses.
• Working Girl (1988): A secretary seizes an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and prove her capabilities in a male-dominated world.

🛒 9 to 5 Related Products

• 9 to 5 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Listen to the Oscar-nominated title track by Dolly Parton and the full score. Relive the classic moments with this digital soundtrack.
• 9 to 5: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording): The high-energy Broadway adaptation featuring a new generation of talent and catchy tunes.
• Funko Pop! Movies: 9 to 5 – Doralee Rhodes: Add this iconic character to your Funko Pop! collection!

🎧 Soundtrack

9 to 5 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “9 to 5” – performed by Dolly Parton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dolly Parton: Story Behind 9 to 5 Movie vs Life

Ever wonder where the idea for ‘9 to 5’ actually came from? Dolly Parton spills the beans in this short clip, comparing the movie to real-life experiences. It’s amazing to hear the stories that inspired this iconic film!

9 To 5 Outtakes / Gag Reel – Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin

Want to see Dolly, Jane, and Lily goofing off on the ‘9 to 5’ set? This gag reel is pure joy and shows how much fun they had making the movie. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, I promise!

Lily Tomlin Explains Why She Turned Down Coming Out on Time Magazine

Did you know there was almost a ‘9 to 5’ sequel? Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda talk about the possibility in this interview, and it’s fascinating to hear their ideas. It makes you wish they’d actually made it!

✨ Rate