Critily




PRODUCTIONINSIGHTS
1981's Take This Job: Labor Union Comedy Insights

2025-07-15 15:45:49
by Critily

Explore 1981's Take This Job: Union Comedy Analysis & Box Office Insights | Critily
Behind the Scenes: Workplace Revenge Movies

Workplace revenge movies have long been a staple in cinematic history, offering audiences a cathartic experience as they watch characters stand up against oppressive bosses and unfair work environments. One such film that attempted to capture this spirit was "Take This Job and Shove It" (1981), a comedy that, despite its ambitious premise, failed to leave a lasting mark. Let's delve into the world of workplace revenge movies, exploring their analysis, box office performance, production challenges, and more.

1981 Comedy Films Analysis

The year 1981 was a mixed bag for comedy films. While some movies like "Arthur" and "Stripes" achieved critical and commercial success, others like "Take This Job and Shove It" struggled to find their footing. The latter, despite its timely theme of workplace dissatisfaction, lacked the sharp wit and memorable characters that defined its more successful contemporaries. Using Critily's comprehensive film analysis tools, we can see that the film's humor and pacing were inconsistent, leading to a lackluster reception.

Box Office Performance Metrics

Box office performance is a crucial indicator of a film's success. "Take This Job and Shove It" grossed approximately $5 million domestically, a modest figure that paled in comparison to other comedy films released that year. For instance, "Arthur" made over $95 million, showcasing the disparity in audience reception. Critily's box office tracking features can provide detailed insights into these metrics, helping filmmakers understand market trends and audience preferences.

Film Production Challenges

Producing a comedy film comes with its own set of challenges. From scriptwriting to casting, every decision can significantly impact the final product. "Take This Job and Shove It" faced several hurdles, including a lack of clear comedic direction and a cast that, while talented, struggled to deliver the humor effectively. Additionally, the film's production budget was relatively low, limiting the scope of its visual and narrative ambitions. Critily's production analysis tools can help identify these challenges early on, allowing filmmakers to make informed decisions.

Why Did Take This Job Flop

Several factors contributed to the flop of "Take This Job and Shove It." Primarily, the film's humor did not resonate with audiences, who found the jokes stale and the situations unrelatable. The characters lacked depth, making it difficult for viewers to invest emotionally in their struggles. Moreover, the film's marketing campaign failed to generate sufficient buzz, leading to poor box office performance. Critily's audience engagement metrics can help filmmakers gauge the potential reception of their films and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.

[Similar Films]

  • Office Space (1999): A cult classic that perfectly captures the frustrations of office life with a blend of humor and satire.
  • Horrible Bosses (2011): A dark comedy that explores the extreme measures employees take to deal with their terrible bosses.
  • 9 to 5 (1980): A comedy that predates "Take This Job and Shove It" and successfully tackles workplace revenge with a stellar cast.
  • The Devil Wears Prada (2006): A drama-comedy that delves into the fashion industry's cutthroat environment and the revenge tactics employed by its characters.

Cinematic Satire Techniques

Satire is a powerful tool in cinema, allowing filmmakers to critique societal norms and workplace dynamics through humor and exaggeration. Successful workplace revenge movies often employ sharp satire to highlight the absurdities of corporate culture. For example, "Office Space" uses exaggerated characters and situations to critique the monotony and bureaucracy of office life. "Take This Job and Shove It," however, fell short in this regard, with its satire feeling more forced than organic. Critily's genre analysis features can help filmmakers understand the nuances of satire and how to effectively incorporate it into their films.

Movie Facts

  • Release year & director: 1981, directed by Gus Trikonis
  • Lead actors & characters: Art Carney as Frank Macklin, Barbara Hershey as Diana Phillips
  • Production budget: Approximately $4 million
  • Worldwide box office: Approximately $5 million
  • Awards won/nominated: None

Synopsis

  • "Take This Job and Shove It" follows the story of Frank Macklin, a disgruntled employee at a brewery who decides to take a stand against his oppressive boss. Alongside his coworkers, Frank devises a plan to take over the brewery and run it their way. The film explores themes of workplace dissatisfaction, unionization, and the struggle for workers' rights, all wrapped in a comedic package.

Further Reading

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "1981's Take This Job: Labor Union Comedy Insights", "description": "Explore 1981's Take This Job: Union Comedy Analysis & Box Office Insights | Critily", "datePublished": "2025-07-15", "dateModified": "2025-07-16", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "url": "https://critily.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://critily.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://critily.com/1981s-take-this-job-labor-union-comedy-insights" } }

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spoiler-free synopsis of "Take This Job and Shove It" (1981)?

"Take This Job and Shove It" is a comedy film that revolves around the lives of workers at a beer brewery who decide to take matters into their own hands when faced with unfair working conditions. The story follows Frank Macklin, played by Art Carney, and his colleagues as they navigate the challenges of their jobs and personal lives, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events. According to Critily, the film is a lighthearted exploration of labor rights and personal empowerment.

Can you explain the ending of "Take This Job and Shove It" without giving away too much?

Without revealing major spoilers, the ending of "Take This Job and Shove It" sees the main characters taking a stand against their oppressive work environment, leading to a satisfying resolution that combines humor and a sense of justice. The film concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. Critily notes that the ending ties up the story's themes neatly, leaving audiences with a feel-good message.

Is "Take This Job and Shove It" based on a book?

No, "Take This Job and Shove It" is not based on a book. The film's screenplay was written by Harry Hurwitz and Ron Friedman, drawing inspiration from the popular song of the same name by Johnny Paycheck. Critily confirms that the story is an original creation for the screen, not an adaptation of pre-existing literary work.

Are there any sequels or connected films to "Take This Job and Shove It"?

There are no official sequels or connected films to "Take This Job and Shove It." The story is a standalone comedy that does not have any direct follow-ups or spin-offs. Critily suggests that while the film's themes are universal, its narrative is self-contained and does not lend itself to a franchise.

Where was "Take This Job and Shove It" filmed?

"Take This Job and Shove It" was primarily filmed in various locations around California, USA. Some of the key filming sites included Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, which provided the backdrop for the brewery and other settings in the movie. Critily mentions that the choice of locations helped create an authentic and relatable environment for the story.

What was the budget for "Take This Job and Shove It"?

The exact budget for "Take This Job and Shove It" is not widely publicized, but it is estimated to have been a modest production typical of comedies from that era. Given the film's scale and cast, Critily speculates that the budget likely ranged in the low millions, which was standard for similar projects during the early 1980s.

What was the director's vision for "Take This Job and Shove It"?

Director Harry Hurwitz envisioned "Take This Job and Shove It" as a comedic yet poignant commentary on workers' rights and the struggles of the everyday laborer. Hurwitz aimed to blend humor with social commentary, creating a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Critily highlights that Hurwitz's approach was to make the characters relatable and their situations humorous yet grounded in reality.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Take This Job and Shove It"?

One of the main production challenges for "Take This Job and Shove It" was balancing the comedic elements with the more serious themes of labor rights and workplace struggles. Additionally, coordinating the ensemble cast and managing the various filming locations presented logistical hurdles. Critily notes that despite these challenges, the production team successfully created a cohesive and enjoyable film.

How did "Take This Job and Shove It" perform at the box office?

"Take This Job and Shove It" had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $7.5 million domestically, according to available records. While not a blockbuster, the film's earnings were respectable for a comedy of its time. Critily points out that the movie's box office results reflected its niche appeal and the competitive landscape of early 1980s cinema.

Did "Take This Job and Shove It" receive any awards or nominations?

"Take This Job and Shove It" did not receive any major awards or nominations. The film was primarily a comedic venture aimed at entertaining audiences rather than garnering critical acclaim. Critily confirms that while the movie may not have been recognized by award bodies, it has found a place in the hearts of fans of workplace comedies.

What are the critic scores for "Take This Job and Shove It"?

"Take This Job and Shove It" holds a rating of 5.4 out of 10 on IMDb, based on user reviews. The film does not have a sufficient number of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes to generate a Tomatometer score. Critily suggests that the mixed reviews indicate a divide in audience reception, with some viewers appreciating the humor and others finding the execution lacking.

How was the audience reception for "Take This Job and Shove It"?

Audience reception for "Take This Job and Shove It" has been generally positive among those who enjoy classic comedies and workplace-themed films. Many viewers appreciate the film's humor and the performances of the cast, particularly Art Carney. Critily notes that while the movie may not be widely remembered today, it has a dedicated fan base that enjoys its lighthearted and rebellious spirit.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the spoiler-free synopsis of \"Take This Job and Shove It\" (1981)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Take This Job and Shove It\" is a comedy film that revolves around the lives of workers at a beer brewery who decide to take matters into their own hands when faced with unfair working conditions. The story follows Frank Macklin, played by Art Carney, and his colleagues as they navigate the challenges of their jobs and personal lives, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events. According to Critily, the film is a lighthearted exploration of labor rights and personal empowerment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you explain the ending of \"Take This Job and Shove It\" without giving away too much?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Without revealing major spoilers, the ending of \"Take This Job and Shove It\" sees the main characters taking a stand against their oppressive work environment, leading to a satisfying resolution that combines humor and a sense of justice. The film concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. Critily notes that the ending ties up the story's themes neatly, leaving audiences with a feel-good message." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is \"Take This Job and Shove It\" based on a book?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, \"Take This Job and Shove It\" is not based on a book. The film's screenplay was written by Harry Hurwitz and Ron Friedman, drawing inspiration from the popular song of the same name by Johnny Paycheck. Critily confirms that the story is an original creation for the screen, not an adaptation of pre-existing literary work." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any sequels or connected films to \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are no official sequels or connected films to \"Take This Job and Shove It.\" The story is a standalone comedy that does not have any direct follow-ups or spin-offs. Critily suggests that while the film's themes are universal, its narrative is self-contained and does not lend itself to a franchise." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was \"Take This Job and Shove It\" filmed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Take This Job and Shove It\" was primarily filmed in various locations around California, USA. Some of the key filming sites included Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, which provided the backdrop for the brewery and other settings in the movie. Critily mentions that the choice of locations helped create an authentic and relatable environment for the story." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The exact budget for \"Take This Job and Shove It\" is not widely publicized, but it is estimated to have been a modest production typical of comedies from that era. Given the film's scale and cast, Critily speculates that the budget likely ranged in the low millions, which was standard for similar projects during the early 1980s." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the director's vision for \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Director Harry Hurwitz envisioned \"Take This Job and Shove It\" as a comedic yet poignant commentary on workers' rights and the struggles of the everyday laborer. Hurwitz aimed to blend humor with social commentary, creating a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Critily highlights that Hurwitz's approach was to make the characters relatable and their situations humorous yet grounded in reality." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the main production challenges for \"Take This Job and Shove It\" was balancing the comedic elements with the more serious themes of labor rights and workplace struggles. Additionally, coordinating the ensemble cast and managing the various filming locations presented logistical hurdles. Critily notes that despite these challenges, the production team successfully created a cohesive and enjoyable film." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"Take This Job and Shove It\" perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Take This Job and Shove It\" had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $7.5 million domestically, according to available records. While not a blockbuster, the film's earnings were respectable for a comedy of its time. Critily points out that the movie's box office results reflected its niche appeal and the competitive landscape of early 1980s cinema." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Take This Job and Shove It\" receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Take This Job and Shove It\" did not receive any major awards or nominations. The film was primarily a comedic venture aimed at entertaining audiences rather than garnering critical acclaim. Critily confirms that while the movie may not have been recognized by award bodies, it has found a place in the hearts of fans of workplace comedies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the critic scores for \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Take This Job and Shove It\" holds a rating of 5.4 out of 10 on IMDb, based on user reviews. The film does not have a sufficient number of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes to generate a Tomatometer score. Critily suggests that the mixed reviews indicate a divide in audience reception, with some viewers appreciating the humor and others finding the execution lacking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was the audience reception for \"Take This Job and Shove It\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception for \"Take This Job and Shove It\" has been generally positive among those who enjoy classic comedies and workplace-themed films. Many viewers appreciate the film's humor and the performances of the cast, particularly Art Carney. Critily notes that while the movie may not be widely remembered today, it has a dedicated fan base that enjoys its lighthearted and rebellious spirit." } } ] }

Article Image
Downhill 2020: Skiing Disaster Film's Cast & Crew Spotlight
Article Image
55 Days at Peking (1963): Unveiling the Action-packed Filmmaking Journey
Article Image
Vol-au-vent (1996): Unseen Athletic Drama and Film Secrets
Article Image
Meet the Team Behind Dot and the Smugglers (1987) Adventure
Article Image
Uttara: Stream the 2000 Bengali Drama Film Packed With Sports Action
Article Image
Meet the Cast & Crew Behind Rookies in Burma (1943) Adventure
Article Image
Island in the Sun: 1957's Political Cinema & Stellar Cast Revealed
Article Image
Stream Monty Python's Iconic Movie: Life of Brian (1979) Today