How Long Is “Working Girl”?

Working Girl is a sparkling, entertaining comedy splendidly directed by Mike Nichols that takes a refreshing new slant on the familiar "ambitious secretary who makes good" story. Tess (Melanie Griffith) is a smart, resourceful woman who has trouble fitting in the corporate world. Smarter than her bosses and unwilling to trade sexual favors in order to advance, Tess is assigned to work for Katherine Parker (Sigourney Weaver). Tess quickly becomes indispensable to Katherine, and when Katherine breaks her leg in a skiing accident, Tess steps in and takes over. While doing some work for Katherine in her home, Tess discovers that Katherine has stolen an idea that Tess had shown her for a new proposal for an important client. Tess infuriated and discouraged by the betrayal pretends to be Katherine and, aided by Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford) who doesn't know of her deception, sells the idea to the client. When Katherine returns she discovers what Tess has done and has her fired. Tess manages to prove that the ideas were stolen from her by Katherine and also win the love of Jack who, unknown to Tess, was also Katherine's fiance.Melanie Griffith gives a standout comic performance as Tess, who manages to succeed without sleeping with the boss. Smart, sexy and shrewd, Melanie Griffith proves herself to be an excellent actress with perfect comedic timing. Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver are also excellent and bring depth and intelligence to roles which could easily have become stereotypes.Mike Nichols again proves himself to be an expert director of comedy, getting outstanding performances from all of his cast and giving the story tension, excitement and humor. Griffith, Nichols and Weaver were all nominated for Academy awards, as was Joan Cusackwho shines in a hilarious, stand-out performance as Tess's best friend. While criticized by some as a "feel-good" movieWorking Girl stands as a fine, optimistic, touching comedy which shows that a woman can succeed by using her brains.