Working Girl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Secretary pretends to be her boss after her boss has a ski accident, leading to love, mergers, and some serious 80s power dressing.

🍿 Working Girl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Tess McGill

Tess McGill, a bright and ambitious secretary from Staten Island with a business degree from night school, is determined to climb the corporate ladder in New York City. However, she faces constant setbacks due to sexism and class prejudice in the male-dominated financial world. She bounces between secretarial jobs, hoping for a chance to prove her business acumen.

The Opportunity Arises

Tess lands a job as the secretary to Katharine Parker, a stylish and successful mergers and acquisitions executive. Initially, Katharine seems supportive, encouraging Tess to share her ideas. Tess suggests that Trask Industries, a client, should invest in radio. When Katharine is sidelined by a skiing accident, Tess discovers that Katharine intends to steal her idea.

Taking Charge

Seizing the opportunity, Tess decides to impersonate Katharine and pursue the Trask Industries deal herself. With the help of her friend Cyn, she transforms her look and uses Katharine’s contacts. She connects with Jack Trainer, a mergers and acquisitions associate, and together they develop the deal further, navigating the complexities of Wall Street.

Complications and Romance

As Tess and Jack work closely together, they develop romantic feelings for each other. However, their burgeoning relationship is complicated by the fact that Jack is Katharine’s boyfriend. This creates tension and moral dilemmas as Tess continues to impersonate Katharine and pursue both the deal and her feelings for Jack.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith): A determined and intelligent secretary from Staten Island who seizes an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder in Manhattan.
• Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford): An investment broker who becomes both a business partner and love interest for Tess as she navigates the world of mergers and acquisitions.
• Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver): Tess’s boss, an ambitious and manipulative executive who steals Tess’s ideas, leading to a power struggle between them.
• Cyn (Joan Cusack): Tess’s supportive and humorous best friend who provides advice and helps Tess transform her image.
• Mick Dugan (Alec Baldwin): Tess’s unfaithful boyfriend whose actions motivate Tess to pursue her career ambitions more seriously.
• Oren Trask (Philip Bosco): An industry tycoon whose company, Trask Industries, becomes the center of Tess’s merger deal.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tess McGill: “I have a head for business and a bod for sin.” – Tess says this line to describe herself, highlighting her ambition and attractiveness.
• Cyn: “You know, sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.” – Cyn warns Tess against getting carried away with her sudden success and transformation.
• Katharine Parker: “I don’t think I’m going to work out as a ground person.” – Katharine says this sarcastically after breaking her leg skiing, foreshadowing her loss of control.
• Oren Trask: “Get your bony ass out of my sight.” – Oren Trask bluntly fires Katharine after discovering she stole Tess’s idea.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $28,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $63,779,477
• Worldwide Gross: $102,953,112

💥 Working Girl Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Working Girl! The fashion is peak 80s, but the story of Tess fighting for her place really resonated with me. The scene where she takes over Katharine’s office is iconic. I’m glad she finally get’s the corner office she worked so hard for.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female empowerment”
  • “Those who appreciate 1980s nostalgia”
  • “Anyone who enjoys films with strong ensemble casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of sexual harassment”
  • “Implied drug use”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Working Girl, with its smart writing and strong performances, remains a relevant and entertaining commentary on ambition and class in the corporate world. Griffith, Ford, and Weaver shine in this sharp, feel-good movie.
• Slash Film: ” Working Girl’s success lies in its ability to blend comedy and romance with a timely message about female empowerment. The film’s wit and engaging narrative continue to resonate, making it a beloved classic.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A sharp, funny, and ultimately heartwarming Cinderella story, Working Girl benefits from a stellar cast and Mike Nichols’ deft direction, making it a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and workplace dramas.

Audience Reactions

Melanie Griffith’s portrayal of Tess is both charming and inspiring.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s empowering message and its ability to capture the spirit of ambition.

The 80s fashion and music are a fun, nostalgic trip.: Many appreciate the film’s soundtrack and its iconic 80s style, which add to the overall charm.

Overall Consensus: Working Girl is a beloved romantic comedy that continues to resonate with audiences thanks to its strong performances and empowering message.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1989
2. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1989
3. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1989
4. Golden Globe (Best Original Song)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mike Nichols fought for Melanie Griffith to play Tess, as the studio wanted a bigger name actress.”
• “The film’s success helped solidify Melanie Griffith’s status as a leading actress after earlier acclaimed but less commercially successful roles.”
• “The World Trade Center served as a prominent filming location, offering iconic views of New York’s financial district.”

🖥️ How to Watch Working Girl?

Working Girl is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Check your local listings for television airings. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Working Girl, you might like these similar films:

• 9 to 5 (1980): Features female office workers overcoming a sexist boss through scheming and wit.
• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Explores the cutthroat world of corporate ambition and the challenges faced by women in power.
• How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967): A satirical musical about climbing the corporate ladder through cunning and opportunism.
• Baby Boom (1987): Showcases a woman balancing career ambition with unexpected life changes and challenges societal expectations.

🛒 Working Girl Related Products

• Working Girl (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Experience Working Girl in stunning high definition with exclusive bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A must-have for any fan of this classic film.
• Working Girl Movie Poster (Framed): Own a piece of movie history with a beautifully framed poster of Working Girl. This high-quality print captures the iconic imagery of the film, perfect for decorating your home or office.
• Working Girl: Themed Office Supplies Set: A fun and inspiring office set featuring quotes and imagery from Working Girl. Includes a notebook, pen, and desk organizer, perfect for adding a touch of 80s ambition to your workspace.
• Working Girl Trivia Game: 80s Edition: Test your knowledge of the film and 80s trivia with this interactive game. Features questions about the movie, its cast, and the era, perfect for a fun night with friends.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Let the River Run” – performed by Carly Simon
• “The Woman in Me” – performed by Carly Simon

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Melanie Griffith Wins Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy – Golden Globes 1989

Ever wonder how it feels to win a Golden Globe? Watch Melanie Griffith’s super-adorable acceptance speech for ‘Working Girl’ – she even forgets a nominee’s name! It’s a sweet moment of genuine surprise and gratitude.

‘Working Girl’ (opening credits, 1988)

Want a quick dose of 80s nostalgia and a feel for the movie? Check out the iconic opening credits of ‘Working Girl’ – that music and the sweeping shots of NYC are pure gold! It instantly transports you to the world of Tess McGill.

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