Big Business *** (1988, Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Fred Ward) – Classic Movie Review 9828

‘Two’s company. Four’s a riot.’

An amusing screenplay and winning performances by brassy Bette Midler and subtle Lily Tomlin as two sets of identical twins ensured big business for Big Business (1988), this funny screwball comedy from Jim (Airplane!) Abrahams.

The pairs are accidentally swapped at birth, and as adults the country duo come to Manhattan to do battle for their small town against a corporate company run by the other couple.

It is an amusing business. Some of the jokes in Dori Pierson and Marc Rubel’s screenplay could have been better, but the great comedy ladies and the trick work are always splendid.

Also in the cast are Fred Ward, Edward Herrmann, Michele Placido, Barry Primus, Daniel Gerroll, Mary Gross, Deborah Rush, Nicolas Coster, Patricia Gaul, J.C. Quinn, Norma MacMillan, Joe Grifasi and John Vickery.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9828

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