Big Business (1988) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in the fictional small town of Jupiter Hollow, known for its local employer, Hollowmade Furniture company. Key scenes also unfold in New York City, particularly at the Plaza Hotel, which represents the glamorous city life that contrasts with the town's quaint charm.

• jupiter hollow
• new york city
• plaza hotel
• setting
• small town

Big Business is set in the late 1980s, a period characterized by economic growth and rising consumerism in the United States. The era provides the backdrop for themes of corporate ambition and the clash between traditional values and new business opportunities.

• 1980s
• time period
• 1988
• era

The theme of sisterhood is central to the film, exploring familial bonds that transcend time and circumstance. Through an accidental mix-up at birth, the characters discover their true identities, and their relationships evolve to highlight the strength found in unity and support.

• sisterhood
• family
• twins
• identity
• bonds

The conflict between ruthless business practices and ethical considerations drives much of the plot. Sadie's ambition to liquidate Hollowmade contrasts sharply with Rose's desire to protect their hometown, examining the moral implications of business decisions and their impact on community and family.

• business
• ethics
• corporate
• morality
• hollowmade

The juxtaposition of country life and city living plays a significant role in the characters' decisions and identities. While the Shelton sisters embody ambition and city slickness, the Ratliffs represent simpler values tied to home and nature. This contrast explores what viewers truly value in life and where they find fulfillment.

• country
• city
• lifestyle
• values
• rural vs urban

Rose Shelton, played by Lily Tomlin, is portrayed as a whimsical dreamer caught between her late father's corporate world and her desire for a peaceful country life. Her character evolves from flighty to determined as she quests for personal identity amidst familial chaos, reconciling her ambitions with her roots.

• rose shelton
• lily tomlin
• character
• dreamer

Sadie Shelton, played by Bette Midler, is a sharp and ruthless businesswoman who emulates her late father's cold demeanor. She represents corporate ambition and serves as a foil to Rose, embodying the darker side of greed. Throughout the plot, she faces challenges that force her to confront her values and realize the importance of relationships over profit.

• sadie shelton
• bette midler
• character
• businesswoman

Rose Ratliff, also played by Lily Tomlin, is grounded and family-oriented, contrasting sharply with her successful counterpart. She fights for her hometown and her nurturing traits shine as she works to preserve the community's legacy, offering a fresh perspective on fulfillment.

• rose ratliff
• lily tomlin
• character
• grounded

Sadie Ratliff, also played by Bette Midler, embodies the playful spirit of small-town life while harboring aspirations for more. Her character learns lessons about self-worth and appreciation for her roots, representing transformation and personal growth despite life's challenges.

• sadie ratliff
• bette midler
• character
• growth

The movie features two sets of identical twins: the Shelton sisters (Rose and Sadie) and the Ratliff sisters (Rose and Sadie), all played by Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler respectively. A mix-up at birth in Jupiter Hollow leads to the comical misunderstandings that drive the story, with the two pairs eventually meeting and discovering their true identities.

• twins
• identical twins
• mix-up
• birth
• mistaken identity

Big Business is a screwball comedy with a light, whimsical tone. The film features constant coincidences, mix-ups, and farcical encounters that drive its fast-paced humor. While there is moderate complexity from tracking the mistaken identities, the story remains straightforward and ultimately heartwarming.

• comedy
• screwball
• tone
• humor
• style