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Dolly Parton's debut film '9 to 5' remains a feminist workplace comedy classic Image: 20th Century Fox.
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Dolly Parton's debut film '9 to 5' remains a feminist workplace comedy classic

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Dolly Parton starred in and performed the theme song for the 1980 comedy '9 to 5,' her film debut, fulfilling her condition for accepting the role.
  • The film follows three female colleagues who plot to get rid of their sexist boss, ultimately taking over the company and enacting workplace reforms.
  • Parton's song achieved global popularity, launching her film career, and the movie is remembered for its themes of workplace equality and empowerment.

In 1980, a burgeoning superstar named Dolly Parton accepted a role in Jane Fonda's proposed film, "How to Eliminate Your Boss." Parton agreed, but only on her terms: she would write and perform the movie's main song. This condition not only showcased her musical prowess but also foreshadowed the film's enduring legacy.

When Dolly Parton had nothing more to prove, she accepted Jane Fonda's proposal to film 'How to Eliminate Your Boss.'

— Article descriptionIntroducing Dolly Parton's involvement in the film.

The comedy centers on three women: Violet (Lily Tomlin), Judy (Jane Fonda), and Doralee (Dolly Parton). After a night of drinks, they conspire to do away with their overbearing and harassing boss, Franklin Hart Jr. Their elaborate plan, however, leads to unexpected consequences, ultimately resulting in the women taking control of the company.

She said yes, but under her conditions: write and perform the main song for the film.

— Article descriptionDetailing Dolly Parton's terms for starring in the movie.

Once in charge, they implement significant changes, including more moderate work hours, hence the film's original title, "9 to 5", equal pay, and on-site childcare. The movie powerfully demonstrates how a workplace can thrive when free from a tyrannical boss.

The comedy is the story of three women: Violet (Lily Tomlin), Judy (Jane Fonda), and Doralee (Dolly Parton), coworkers who, on a night out, plan to get rid of their arrogant boss, Franklin Hart Jr., who also harasses the spectacular Doralee.

— Article descriptionSummarizing the film's plot and main characters.

Parton, already a savvy businesswoman in the music industry, anticipated that even if the film faltered, its soundtrack would be a hit. To her surprise, the song "9 to 5" became a worldwide sensation, serving as her successful introduction to the film world. As a fond anecdote, her co-stars recall Parton arriving at her first day of filming with all her lines memorized, along with those of the entire cast, believing filming proceeded chronologically, much to everyone's amusement.

Knowing the music business, with her request Parton anticipated that, if the film failed, at least the soundtrack would be a success.

— Article descriptionHighlighting Parton's foresight regarding the film's music.
About this summary

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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