Big Business

Big Business

Year: 1988

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Abrahams

Comedy

A mix-up at birth in the quiet town of Jupiter Hollow leads to a series of comical misunderstandings spanning four decades. When two sets of identical twins—one a pair of local residents and the other sophisticated newcomers—unexpectedly meet, their clash over a factory's future sparks hilarious chaos and a quest to uncover their true identities. The twins find themselves entangled in a battle of wits and mistaken identities, leading to a surprisingly entertaining and heartwarming story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Big Business (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Big Business (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The movie primarily takes place in the late 1980s, an era characterized by economic growth and the rise of consumerism in the United States. It captures the cultural shifts of the time, where traditional values often clash with newfound ambitions. The backdrop of corporate America reflects both the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the workforce during this dynamic decade.

Location

Jupiter Hollow, New York City, Plaza Hotel

Jupiter Hollow is a quaint, small town known for its connection to the Hollowmade Furniture company, a local employer. The town's charm is disrupted by the arrival of wealthy city dwellers sparking chaos in its serene environment. In contrast, New York City symbolizes hustle and ambition, filled with towering skyscrapers and a fast-paced lifestyle. The opulent Plaza Hotel serves as a backdrop for critical moments in the story, showcasing both the glamour and the missteps of its characters.

🏡 Small Town 🌆 City Life 🏨 Hotel

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – Big Business (1988)

Meet the key characters of Big Business (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rose Shelton (Lily Tomlin)

Rose Shelton is portrayed as a whimsical dreamer, caught between her late father's corporate world and her desire for a peaceful country life. As one of the primary characters, her evolution from flighty to determined represents the quest for personal identity amidst familial chaos. Her journey highlights her internal struggle to reconcile her ambitions with her roots.

👩‍💼 Businesswoman 🌼 Dreamer 💖 Romantic

Sadie Shelton (Bette Midler)

Sadie Shelton is a sharp and ruthless businesswoman, emulating her late father's cold demeanor. Her character embodies corporate ambition but also serves as a foil to Rose, representing the darker side of greed. As the plot unfolds, her character faces challenges that force her to confront her values and realize the importance of relationships over profit.

💃 Ambitious ⚔️ Ruthless 🌆 City Girl

Rose Ratliff (Lily Tomlin)

Rose Ratliff, the other half of the identical twin dynamic, is grounded and family-oriented. Her character contrasts sharply with her successful counterpart, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be fulfilled. As she fights for her hometown, her nurturing traits shine, revealing her determination to preserve the community's legacy.

🌷 Nurturer 💪 Fighter 👩‍🌾 Country Girl

Sadie Ratliff (Bette Midler)

Sadie Ratliff eager embodies the playful spirit of small-town life while harboring aspirations for more. Her character's journey includes learning lessons about self-worth and appreciation for her roots. Through her interactions with others, she embodies the theme of transformation and personal growth despite life's challenges.

🌼 Playful 🌟 Optimistic 🏡 Hometown Girl

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – Big Business (1988)

Explore the central themes of Big Business (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👩‍👧‍👧 Sisterhood

The theme of sisterhood is central to the film, exploring familial bonds that transcend time and circumstance. Through the accidental mix-up at birth, the characters discover their true identities and the power of connection. As they navigate their respective challenges, the sisters' relationships evolve, highlighting the strength found in unity and support.

💼 Business vs. Ethics

The conflict between ruthless business practices and ethical considerations drives much of the plot. Sadie's ambition to liquidate Hollowmade represents a stark contrast to Rose's desire to protect her hometown. This theme examines the moral implications of business decisions and the impact on community and family.

🌳 Country vs. City

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 asks viewers to consider what they truly value in life and where they find fulfillment.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Unlock the Full Story of Big Business

Don't stop at just watching — explore Big Business in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Big Business is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Big Business Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Big Business, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Big Business Summary

Big Business Timeline

Track the full timeline of Big Business with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Big Business Timeline

More About Big Business

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Big Business: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Big Business

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