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A battle between management and workers with a feminist twist is burdened only with a silly kidnapping the boss scenario that takes the majority of the film down a path only survived by the great, great, great chemistry of the three stars. Although the role of Judy is is written rather thinly Jane Fonda's acting is as good as it ever was, playing the mousy Judy with pitch perfection. Lily Tomlin a fantastic actress with an impeccable sense of timing (along the lines of TV greats Beatrice Arthur and Marion Lorne) plays Violet, who runs the office yet gets no power with great aplomb. And best is Dolly Parton as the office bombshell, plays her part with great charm and no-nonsense. Parton's first acting role (and has no training whatsoever) is superb, look at the scene in the hospital where Fonda is trying to calm Tomlin down, Dolly is so into the tension you think she will explode. Fonda, Tomlin and Parton's chemistry will not let you down. Nice supporting work from Dabney Coleman (boss), Peggy Pope (office lush), Marian Mercer (boss' slow wife) and the great Elizabeth Wilson as Roz the office stool pigeon. Always root for the underdog.

I saw this film a while back and just saw it again on TV. If you are interested in seeing a great, tense drama this is a good start. Honest and unapologetic directing from Roland Joffe and fine performances from Sam Waterston & John Malkovich (plus nicely played small parts by Craig T. Nelson & Spalding Gray.) Above all of them, however, is Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran, the Cambodian journalist assisting the New York Times reporter played by Waterston during the conflicts in Cambodia around the time of the Vietnam war. This was Ngor's first film and had no previous acting experience. Quite a performance from Ngor, earning a well deserved Academy Award. Interesting note, Ngor himself led a very similar life to his character. Wonderfully touching film, you should see it.