Year: 1988
Runtime: 97 min
Language: English
Director: Jim Abrahams
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Big Business (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the sleepy Appalachian enclave of Jupiter Hollow, a decades‑old clerical blunder set the stage for a comedy of errors that still echoes through the town’s wood‑smoked streets. Two sets of identical twins were accidentally swapped at birth, sending one pair into the world of corporate ambition while their biological sisters grew up among the sawdust and camaraderie of the local furniture mill. The premise rests on the quiet charm of a close‑knit community colliding with the polished, fast‑paced world of big‑business negotiations, promising a series of misunderstandings that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.
Rose and Sadie Shelton now run Moramax, the sleek conglomerate left to them by their late father. Rose balances ruthless drive with a yearning for a slower, country life, while Sadie Shelton exudes sharp‑edged confidence, demanding results from both employees and her own mercurial son. Across town, Rose Ratliff has become the forewoman of the very factory the Shelton sisters hope to sell, a position that ties her identity to the town’s heritage. Her sister, Sadie Ratliff, is a vibrant, down‑to‑earth spirit whose loyalty to her roots fuels a fierce protectiveness over the community’s future.
When the prospect of selling the beloved mill surfaces, the two families find themselves on opposite sides of a high‑stakes boardroom battle. The tension is amplified by the uncanny resemblance of the four women, each convinced they understand the other’s motives, leading to a cascade of comic mix‑ups, mistaken letters, and far‑citing attempts at diplomacy. The film teases the audience with the promise that deeper truths may surface, while the characters navigate the absurdities of corporate politics against the backdrop of Appalachian hospitality.
The tone is a buoyant blend of satire and sentiment, mixing slapstick moments with sincere reflections on identity, family, and the pull between progress and tradition. With witty dialogue, vivid settings—from cramped hometown workshops to glittering city offices—and a cast of larger‑than‑life personalities, the story invites viewers to wonder how far deception can travel before the bonds of blood and belonging finally prevail.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:39
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Comedies where switched or lookalike characters cause a cascade of hilarious confusion.If you enjoyed the hilarious twin-swap chaos of Big Business, you'll love these other movies based on mistaken identity. This thread gathers comedies where lookalikes, switches, and cases of confused identity create a whirlwind of madcap fun and surprising connections.
Narratives in this thread are driven by a core misunderstanding of identity, often involving twins, impersonators, or accidental swaps. The plot unfolds through a series of increasingly farcical encounters as characters navigate a world where no one is who they seem, culminating in a resolution that untangles the knots and usually brings everyone together.
These films are grouped together because they share a central comedic engine: the chaos of mistaken identity. They deliver a specific kind of lighthearted, energetic humor built on confusion, rapid-fire dialogue, and situational comedy, resulting in a consistently upbeat and entertaining experience.
Fast-paced, witty comedies where social chaos leads to heartwarming resolutions.Fans of the fast-paced, madcap energy and happy ending of Big Business will enjoy this collection of uplifting farces. These movies share a light tone, quick pacing, and a focus on witty humor and romantic entanglements that resolve in a satisfyingly happy way.
Stories in this thread often involve a clash of cultures or classes—city versus country, rich versus poor—sparking a comedic conflict. The narrative is propelled by witty banter, slapstick moments, and a series of escalating misunderstandings, all building towards a climax that resolves the chaos and typically ends with romantic unions and a restored sense of order and happiness.
These movies are grouped by their shared comedic DNA: a light emotional weight, fast pacing, and a consistently whimsical tone. They prioritize fun and laughter over drama, creating a cohesive viewing experience for anyone seeking an energetic and heartwarming escape.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Big Business. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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.
Discover movies like Big Business that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Big Business (1988) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Big Business (1988) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Big Business (1988) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Big Business – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Baby Mama (2008) Story Summary & Characters
Together Together (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
Old Dogs (2009) Detailed Story Recap
Big Daddy (1999) Full Summary & Key Details
Baby Boom (1987) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Big Wedding (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Family Business (1989) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Big Trouble (1986) Detailed Story Recap
BigLove (2001) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Body Swap (2019) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Town Went Wild (1944) Story Summary & Characters
The Big Store (1973) Film Overview & Timeline
Big Business Girl (1931) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Big Business (1959) Story Summary & Characters
Bachelor Mother (1939) Full Movie Breakdown