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Year: 1987
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Director: Michael Gottlieb
In this whimsical tale, a talented but down-on-his-luck artist discovers a unique outlet as an assistant window dresser at a department store. But when he falls for his latest creation, a ravishing mannequin named Emmy, their romance is put to the test by a cunning manager and ancient Egyptian magic that brings her to life.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Mannequin yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
In the enchanting lands of Ancient Egypt, a spirited young princess named Ema ‘Emmy’ Hesire finds herself hiding within the cool, shadowy confines of a pyramid, cleverly disguised as a mummy. Emmy, yearning for true love and resisting the constraints of an arranged marriage, turns her heart towards the heavens, praying fervently to the gods for a divine intervention that would unite her with her destined partner in the future. However, in a twist of fate, she mysteriously vanishes right before her mother’s astonished eyes, setting the stage for a remarkable journey across time.
Fast forward to present-day Philadelphia, where we meet the ambitious young artist, Jonathan Switcher, who works in a quaint mannequin factory. Full of passion and creativity, Jonathan dedicates himself to perfecting the art of mannequin-making. Unfortunately, his meticulous nature frustrates his boss, leading to his dismissal for prioritizing quality over quantity. Despite Jonathan’s attempts to find other work, his artistic inclinations repeatedly cost him various jobs, leaving him disheartened.
One fateful evening, as rain pours down and his motorcycle sputters to a stop, Jonathan stumbles upon a department store named Prince & Company. To his astonishment, he spots his very own mannequin showcased in the window display. The following morning, a twist of luck occurs when Jonathan returns to the store, where he heroically saves its owner, Claire Timkin, from a precariously falling shop sign. Grateful for his timely intervention, Claire offers him a position in the store, igniting a new chapter in Jonathan’s life.
However, lurking nearby is the store’s suspicious security guard, Captain Felix Maxwell, who keeps a wary eye on Jonathan. Despite this, Jonathan befriends the flamboyant and imaginative Hollywood Montrose, the store’s head window dresser. One day, as Jonathan interacts with the mannequin he created, he is absolutely floored when it comes to life, revealing the spirit of Emmy. She shares that she has existed for centuries as a muse, inspiring and possessing the works of talented artists throughout history. In an awe-inspiring moment, Emmy confides that the gods allow her to return to life only when she is alone with Jonathan, leaving him questioning if he is dreaming or teetering on the edge of madness.
Jonathan awakens the next day in a captivating window display that draws enormous crowds to Prince & Company, especially as the store struggles to compete with the trendier Illustra across the street. The store’s cunning manager, Daryl Richards, is secretly conspiring with the owner of Illustra, B.J. Wert, making the stakes even higher for Claire and her beloved store. As Jonathan’s artistic window designs breathe new life into the store, Claire realizes he may be the key to rescuing her establishment from potential ruin.
As Jonathan and Emmy’s secret romance flourishes amidst their creative endeavors, the allure of his displays continues to draw customers in droves. However, a shadow from Jonathan’s past appears when his ex-girlfriend, Roxie Shield, working for Illustra, proposes an offer he can’t accept. Her jealousy leads to a scheming plot alongside her colleague, which backfires when they mistakenly believe Jonathan is romantically involved with a mannequin.
As recognition of Jonathan’s talent blossoms within Prince & Company, he is promoted to vice president, much to Daryl’s disdain. Meanwhile, Jonathan and Emmy revel in their unusual relationship, even joyfully riding through the city on his motorcycle, an act that raises eyebrows but only strengthens their bond. However, jealousy ignites further conflict when Daryl and Felix conspire to steal Emmy away, leading to a wild chase.
In a climactic struggle, Jonathan confronts the antics of Daryl, Roxie, and B.J., demanding to know the fate of Emmy amidst chaos. As the tension escalates, Jonathan’s desperate fight to save Emmy from a trash compactor brings forth not just his love but also her own transformation into an empowered being. Their romance ultimately breaks the ancient curse, solidifying their love as Emmy is liberated from her long-held constraints.
In a harrowing conclusion, the nefarious plans of Daryl and B.J. are uncovered, leading to their arrest, thanks to Claire’s quick thinking and video evidence. As the dust settles, a new chapter begins for Jonathan and Emmy, culminating in a whimsical wedding within the window of Prince & Company, watched by a joyful crowd. In this extraordinary tale woven through time, love conquers all, demonstrating that sometimes, the heart knows exactly what it desires, transcending both time and circumstance.
Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36
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