They're Showing the Boss, Who's the BOSS!

 

He's a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot....

Getting even is a full time job!

When you think of work place comedies from the last few decades, 1980's 9 to 5 still holds up as one of the best.  I enjoyed it on VHS as a kid, and still watch a few minutes when I see it airing on TCM or another television channel.  Although during a recent re-watch, it dragged a little in the middle, it was saved by the actors, especially the brilliant Elizabeth Wilson who played Roz. 

In addition the heavy hitter female leads, the role of the boss, the sexist Franklin Hart Jr., was played perfectly by actor Dabney Coleman.   Hart wrapped up so many attributes so many women, and also so many men, have experienced with a lousy boss.  I started working, (sweeping floors at Sears) when I just 16, and haven't stopped since.  

At one point, the year after my University graduation, I juggled four jobs at one time.  One was full time, one was evenings, the other two were call-in shifts at schools and hospitals that I did on weekends and days off.  I was eager to get started paying off my student loans, and kept up the pace for about two years.  Finally, I got it down to just two jobs, which I juggled for another few years.  I've been fortunate that with all those jobs, I only had one bad boss, and she was really, really bad.  Thankfully, she eventually got the boot.

Modern  Problems (1991)

Coleman's role in 9 to 5, or most of his other roles, didn't exactly cause the actor to be put into the leading man role, or be viewed as a sex symbol.  I certainly didn't!  That was until seeing his nude scene in comedy Modern Problems.  The film was released in 1981, just a year after his turn as Mr. Hart. 

I don't think it was as much the nude scene, as the absolute surprise about how absolutely squeezable Coleman's cheeks looked. Coleman was about 50 when Modern Problems was filmed, and looked great, something all those suits he usually wore, didn't really show off.  I don't think Doralee would have changed her mind if she'd see her boss's buns, but I think Judy might have given him a second look...