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.

Big Business (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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

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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.

Mistaken Identity Comedies like Big Business

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Uplifting Screwball Comedies with the vibe of Big Business

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

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Big Business Summary

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Big Business Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Big Business

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Big Business

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