Rated or Dated: 9 to 5

·30 min·3 clips

Three hosts debate whether they've actually seen the iconic 1980s comedy '9 to 5' despite remembering its feminist message but forgetting its stolen corpse and hang gliding suit.

The episode begins with the three hosts introducing '9 to 5', a 1980 comedy about sexism in the workplace. They note its iconic status but admit forgetting absurd plot elements like a stolen corpse and hang gliding suit. The film was conceived by Jane Fonda and stars Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton in her film debut. It grossed over $100 million and annoyed President Reagan, who criticized its pot-smoking scene in his diary. Critics like Roger Ebert gave it mixed reviews, but it became a feminist touchstone. The plot follows Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they deal with their sexist boss Franklin Hart. After accidentally poisoning him and thinking he's dead, they panic and steal the wrong corpse. When Hart returns, they kidnap him using a hang gliding suit and remote-controlled garage door. Meanwhile, they implement workplace reforms like job sharing and a creche, boosting productivity by 20%. The hosts debate the performances, with Jen noting Dolly Parton's acting is sometimes wooden, while Hannah finds Jane Fonda struggles more with comedy. They critique the film's screwball comedy elements, particularly the fantasy sequences when the women are stoned. The depiction of women is contradictory: they're shown as capable reformers but also scatty and never apologize for bullying Doralee. The hosts highlight dated aspects like gun accident humor and an alcoholic character cleaning up in two weeks. They discuss the film's legacy, including a sitcom, musical, and planned remake with Jennifer Aniston. A 2022 documentary explores its impact on the women's labor movement. The hosts reveal the real-world phenomenon of 'boss napping' in France, where workers kidnap executives as protest. They conclude the film is dated in execution but still relevant on issues like childcare and harassment. Dolly Parton's theme song, created by tapping her fingernails like a clock, is praised. The episode ends with a teaser for next week's film, 'Mermaids'.

As heard by us

A 9 to 5 rewatch where workplace sexism meets faulty plot memory, screwball detail, and Dolly Parton's fingernail-set beat.

Rated or Dated revisits 9 to 5 as a workplace comedy about sexism, then follows the stranger pieces that memory tends to smooth away. Hannah Dunleavy, Jen Offord, and Bikinona set the film's reputation against its stolen corpse, hand-gliding suit, animated rabbit, and stoned…

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Why you'd press play

You want 9 to 5 remembered as workplace sexism comedy that somehow also throws a stolen corpse into the screwball machinery.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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