Swing Shift Poster

Swing Shift 1984

★ 5.585 votes100 min📅 1984-04-13

"When America marched off to war the women marched into the factory. From then on...nothing was the same."

Jonathan Demme's poignant wartime drama *Swing Shift (1984)* dives into the lives of American women who stepped into factory roles as their husbands marched off to war.

Director: Jonathan Demme

Cast

Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn
Kay Walsh
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell
Lucky Lockhart
Christine Lahti
Christine Lahti
Hazel Zanussi
Fred Ward
Fred Ward
Biscuits Toohey
Ed Harris
Ed Harris
Jack Walsh
Sudie Bond
Sudie Bond
Annie
Holly Hunter
Holly Hunter
Jeannie Sherman
Patty Maloney
Laverne
Lisa Pelikan
Lisa Pelikan
Violet Mulligan
Susan Peretz
Susan Peretz
Edith Castle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swing Shift (1984) about?

Swing Shift (1984) follows Kay, a woman who takes a factory job during World War II after her husband enlists, where she meets Hazel, a neighbor and coworker. As the war progresses, Kay navigates new relationships and the challenges of wartime life, all while redefining her sense of self.

Who directed Swing Shift?

Swing Shift was directed by Jonathan Demme, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his versatile storytelling and iconic works like *The Silence of the Lambs*.

Who stars in Swing Shift?

The film stars Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Christine Lahti, Fred Ward, and Ed Harris in pivotal roles that bring its wartime drama to life.

Is Swing Shift (1984) worth watching?

With its strong performances, historical backdrop, and emotional depth, Swing Shift (1984) is a standout drama that blends romance and wartime themes. While unrated on IMDb, its director and cast make it a compelling watch for fans of period films.

How long is Swing Shift?

Swing Shift (1984) has a runtime of 100 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Swing Shift (1984) — A 1940s Romance and Drama of War-Time Transformation

Jonathan Demme's poignant wartime drama *Swing Shift (1984)* dives into the lives of American women who stepped into factory roles as their husbands marched off to war. Set against the backdrop of 1941, the film follows Kay, whose world shifts when her husband enlists after Pearl Harbor. Against his wishes, she joins an aircraft plant, where she forges an unlikely friendship with Hazel, her neighbor and coworker. As their bond deepens, Kay navigates the complexities of newfound independence, love, and the emotional toll of wartime separation. With evocative performances and a keen eye for period detail, Demme crafts a story that resonates with themes of resilience and change.

The heart of the film lies in its portrayal of female camaraderie and the quiet revolutions happening on the home front. As Kay and the other women grow into their roles, their lives intertwine with romance and hardship, culminating in a narrative that's as much about personal growth as it is about national transformation. The film's warm yet bittersweet tone captures the spirit of an era defined by sacrifice and newfound freedoms.