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 – Big Business (1988)

Trace every key event in Big Business (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lost in West Virginia

In the late 1940s, wealthy businessman Hunt Shelton and his pregnant wife, Binky, find themselves lost in the backwoods of West Virginia while searching for a friend's vacation home. Their predicament soon turns urgent when Binky goes into labor, prompting a desperate rush to find help.

Late 1940s West Virginia
2

Emergency at Jupiter Hollow

The Sheltons arrive in Jupiter Hollow and head to the local hospital, which is exclusively for the employees of Hollowmade Furniture. As chaos ensues, Binky gives birth to identical twin girls just as another local resident, Iona Ratliff, also delivers twin daughters.

Jupiter Hollow
3

Baby Mix-up

In a mix-up caused by an elderly nurse, the newborn twins are mistakenly swapped between the Shelton and Ratliff families. Mr. Shelton proposes to name the children Rose and Sadie, a sentiment overheard by Iona Ratliff's husband, who suggests the same names for their daughters.

Jupiter Hollow Hospital
4

Four Decades Later

Fast forward to 1988, where the adult Rose and Sadie Shelton are now the successful co-owners of their father's corporation, Moramax. Their contrasting personalities create friction, as Sadie is ruthless in her business practices while Rose dreams of a simpler life.

1988
5

Business Plans and Protests

Sadie proposes a liquidation of Hollowmade, believing the townspeople support the decision. Meanwhile, Rose Ratliff, now working at Hollowmade, sends a letter to Moramax threatening a protest, raising tensions between the sisters.

Jupiter Hollow / New York City
6

Mistaken Identities in NYC

As the Ratliff sisters arrive in New York, they mistakenly get into the Shelton sisters’ limousine, leading to a series of comic misunderstandings at the Plaza Hotel. Meanwhile, the Sheltons are left to navigate the city without cash.

New York City
7

A Clumsy Encounter

Sadie Shelton has an awkward interaction with Mr. Alberici, initially mistaking him for a creepy stranger. After rebuffing his advances, she realizes her mistake and reconciles with him in the hotel bar, setting the stage for future business dealings.

Plaza Hotel
8

Sisters Reunited

While exploring the city, Sadie Ratliff bumps into familiar faces, surprising everyone with her cheerful demeanor. This newfound joy hints at a deeper transformation, leading to memorable reconnections amidst the hustle of New York.

New York City
9

Proposal Gone Awry

As Jay Marshall attempts to propose to Rose Shelton, he accidentally encounters Rose Ratliff, mistaking her for the sister he's searching for. Their confusion leads to humorous exchanges, with unexpected chemistry blooming in the chaos.

Plaza Hotel
10

Detective Work

Roone Dimmick, Rose Ratliff’s boyfriend back in West Virginia, arrives in New York determined to win her back. His misadventures in the city lead him to mistakenly embrace Rose Shelton, further complicating the mix-up.

Plaza Hotel
11

Stockholder Meeting Preparations

The Ratliff sisters plan their protest at the stockholder meeting while unwittingly using bribe money from Mr. Alberici for a new outfit. The chaos of identities adds a layer of humor and tension leading into the meeting.

Plaza Hotel
12

Revealing the Truth

In the lobby, the four women finally meet, uncovering their truth as long-lost sisters switched at birth. Despite this revelation, Sadie Shelton remains committed to selling Hollowmade, igniting conflict with her newfound sisters.

Plaza Hotel
13

Final Confrontation

The sisters attempt to thwart Sadie Shelton's plans during the stockholder meeting. After an initial hiccup, Rose Shelton steps in with a compelling speech that sways the stockholders to cancel the sale, highlighting the sisters' unity.

Hotel Conference Room
14

New Beginnings

With their identities restored and their previous lives in disarray, the sisters set off with their respective partners. While Sadie Shelton and Mr. Alberici enjoy a luxurious escape, Sadie Ratliff chooses to stay in NYC with Michael.

New York City
15

The Bum's Confusion

In a humorous closing scene, a bum outside the Plaza Hotel witnesses the four couples leave and is bewildered by the sight of two pairs of sisters who look identical to each other. His reaction underscores the film's comedic exploration of identity.

Plaza Hotel

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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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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