Undoubtedly, Netflix has created comedy gold with its hit “Frankie and Grace.” The mega-hit cast stars Jane Fonda as Grace Hanson, a retired cosmetics mogul of Say Grace, and Lily Tomlin as Frances “Frankie” Bergstein (née Mengela), a hippie art teacher.  Grace and Frankie’s lives are turned upside down when their husband’s Robert and Sol announce that they are in love with each other and are leaving their wives. The wives caught in the middle, who have never been particularly fond of each other, are forced to live together and learn to unite as they cope with difficulties. Fans may be surprised to learn this is not the first time Fonda and Tomlin have teamed up. Superfans, however, know exactly what I’m talking about. Remember that 1980’s gem 9 to 5?

In 1980, director Colin Higgins and screenwriter Patricia Resnick gave audiences the hit movie 9 to 5.  9 to 5 stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and country singer Dolly Parton.  These three working women live out their fantasies of getting even with, and overthrowing, their company’s autocratic, “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss Franklin Hart, Jr., played by Dabney Coleman. It’s a tribute to anyone who has been “overworked, underpaid, and pushed to the edge by an ungrateful boss.”

This early 1980’s flick is a perfect reference for measuring progress in society. This movie readily provokes the issue, “What is the problem with social and economic progress in the US?” Thankfully, men don’t ask their secretaries to turn around so they can see the back of their skirts anymore. However, 35 years after the release of this motion picture, women still do not get equal pay. In the ’80s, what were the ladies’ chances of rising high enough in the ranks to displace a rotten boss like Franklin Hart?

Watching it today, it is easy to see why 9 ot 5 is a timeless masterpiece for measuring relativity. If you are a woman in her 20’s-40’s and struggling in the working world, please, I implore you, watch this immediately! It’s brilliant – and YES, stands the test of time. You will laugh your butt off, maybe tear up a bit, and TOTALLY RELATE to it. Jane, Dolly, and Lilly together is the holy trifecta of comedy. If you love Tina Fey, trust me  on this movie choice. You’ll thank me afterward 🙂

Great news – Twilight Time recently released a restored version of the film on beautiful Blu-ray! Contact your favorite Bookmans location for Blu-ray or DVD availability.