Swing Shift (1984)

92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
32% of users liked it
(3,134 ratings)

Director Jonathan Demme made one of his more conventional movies with Swing Shift, an examination of life on the American home front during WWII. Goldie Hawn, who also served as the film's producer, stars as Kay, a woman who takes a job on the line at a plant producing war planes after her husband… More Director Jonathan Demme made one of his more conventional movies with Swing Shift, an examination of life on the American home front during WWII. Goldie Hawn, who also served as the film's producer, stars as Kay, a woman who takes a job on the line at a plant producing war planes after her husband goes off to fight in Europe. One of her coworkers is her best friend Hazel, played by Christine Lahti, whose performance earned an Oscar nomination and a New York Film Critics award. Kay falls in love with another coworker, Lucky (Kurt Russell), who couldn't enlist because of a weak heart. Kay's husband Jack (Ed Harris) comes home on leave and finds out that his wife has betrayed him. Lucky then decides to pursue Hazel, driving a wedge between the two best friends. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Jonathan Demme
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 13, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Swing Shift tries ... to twist some consequence out of a tawdry adulterous tryst by a couple of self-centered sneaks. But the writing and acting are too flat for the challenge.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
There's no suspense and no big emotional payoff, but the movie is always absorbing.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Offers Miss Hawn her best role since ''Private Benjamin,'' and she is most winning.
, Empire Magazine
At its heart lies a sweet romance, with good performances from both the leads and an Oscar nomination for supporting actress Lahti.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Demme's characteristic generosity toward his characters and refusal to make absolute moral judgments are strong points, while the feminist subtext adds freshness to the story.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Despite compromises, a result of interference in director Demme's work, this fictional look at a Rosie the Riveter kind of woman displays a nice feminist perspective on WWII and terrific performances from Goldie Hawn and especially Christine Lahti.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Hawn, atypically cast and supported by all-round excellent performances, proves that she can act.
Pete Croatto, Filmcritic.com
Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson could learn a few things watching this. Or maybe they already have.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Effectively conveys how World War II changed men, women work and family
, Film4
The film certainly can't seem to decide whether it wants to be a genial romantic comedy or something more truthful, but it is never less than watchable.

Read all 10 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Nice period feeling and an interesting premise that doesn't get a lot of attention, womens role in the workplace during WWII. They should have focused on that and left the weak love story out and would have been a better film. The other problem is that Goldie's and… More
Nice period feeling and an interesting premise that doesn't get a lot of attention, womens role in the workplace during WWII. They should have focused on that and left the weak love story out and would have been a better film. The other problem is that Goldie's and Russell's characters are not really people you feel much empathy for, she's spoiled and selfish and he's really rather a jerk. Christine Lahti however steals every second she's on screen and has the character you care about the most.
Moe E

Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Christine Lahti shine in their portrayal of those left behind to build the US war machine while the able-bodied men are off fighting WWII. Ed Harris and Holly Hunter co-star as Goldie's husband and co-worker, respectively.

Cast

            Goldie Hawn as Kay

            Kurt Russell as Lucky

            Christine Lahti as Hazel Zanussi

            Fred Ward as Biscuits

            Ed Harris as Jack

            Holly Hunter as Jeannie

            Patty Maloney as Laverne

            Lisa Pelikan as Violet

            Susan Peretz as Edith

            Todd Allen as Col. Bobby Danzig

            Joey Aresco as Johnny Bonnano

            Susan Barnes as Skinny

            Morris "Tex" Biggs as Clarence

            Sudie Bond as Annie

            Gene Borkan as MP at Embarkation Point

            Belinda Carlisle as Jamboree Singer

            Don Carrara as Drunk Soldier

            Reid Cruickshanks as Spike

            Dennis Fimple as Rupert George

            Laura Hawn as Ethel

            Eugene W. Jackson as Bartender

            Penny Johnson as Genevieve

            Chris Lemmon as Lt. O'Connor

            Deena Marie as Piper Girl

            Sandy McLeod as 2nd Interviewer

            Marvin Miller as Rollo

            Belita Moreno as Mabel Stoddard

            Charles Napier as Moon Willens

            Harry Northrup as New Year's Eve Marine

            Roger Rook as Bellhop

            Chino "Fats" Williams as Bouncer

            Lisa Chadwick as Vocalist at Kelly's

            Roger Corman as Mr. MacBride

            Gary Goetzman as "Swing Shift" Bandleader

            Beth Henley as Bible Pusher

            Maggie Renzi as 1st Interviewer

            Alana Stewart as Frankie Parker

            Stephen Tobolowsky as Documentary Narrator/French de Mille

            Alan Toy as Assistant Cribman

            Oceana Marr as Ladies Room Inspector

            Isabell Monk as Rita

            George "Red" Schwartz as Cribman

            Eddie Smith as Waiter at Kelly's

            Marion Dougherty
            
            Phillip Christon as Recruit at Egyptian
See full cast