Swing Shift tries ... to twist some consequence out of a tawdry adulterous tryst by a couple of self-centered sneaks. But the writing and acting are too flat for the challenge.
Swing Shift
When America marched off to war the women marched into the factory. From then on...nothing was the same.
1984 · 1h 40m · PG
Drama, Romance, War
Directed by
Jonathan Demme
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Swing Shift
Overview
In 1941 America, Kay and her husband are happy enough until he enlists after Pearl Harbor. Against his wishes, she takes a job at the local aircraft plant where she meets Hazel, the singer from across the way. The two soon become firm friends and with the other girls become increasingly expert workers. As the war drags on, Kay finally dates her trumpet-playing foreman and life gets more complicated.
Director and cast
- Jonathan Demme Director
- Goldie Hawn as Kay Walsh
- Kurt Russell as Lucky Lockhart
- Christine Lahti as Hazel Zanussi
- Fred Ward as Biscuits Toohey
- Ed Harris as Jack Walsh
- Sudie Bond as Annie
- Holly Hunter as Jeannie Sherman
- Patty Maloney as Laverne
- Lisa Pelikan as Violet Mulligan
- Susan Peretz as Edith Castle
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Hawn, atypically cast and supported by all-round excellent performances, proves that she can act.
There's no suspense and no big emotional payoff, but the movie is always absorbing.
Offers Miss Hawn her best role since ''Private Benjamin,'' and she is most winning.
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