The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981)

Director:

Joel Schumacher

Writers:

Richard Matheson (novel)
Jane Wagner (writer)

Release Date:

30 January 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Comedy | Fantasy

Tagline:

Lily Tomlin has a little problem...

Plot:

When an ordinary woman is exposed to a unique mix of chemicals, she begins to uncontrollably physically shrink.

Plot Keywords:

Perfume | Maid | Kidnapping | Conspiracy | Dollhouse

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Lily Tomlin	...	Pat Kramer / Judith Beasley / Telephone Operator
Charles Grodin	...	Vance Kramer
Ned Beatty	...	Dan Beame
Henry Gibson	...	Dr. Eugene Nortz
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Dr. Ruth Ruth
Mark Blankfield	...	Rob
Maria Smith	...	Concepcion
Pamela Bellwood	...	Sandra Dyson
John Glover	...	Tom Keller
Nicholas Hormann	...	Logan Carver
Jim McMullan	...	Lyle Parks (as James McMullan)
Shelby Balik	...	Beth Kramer
Justin Dana	...	Jeff Kramer
Rick Baker	...	Sidney (as Richard A. Baker)
Mike Douglas	...	Himself

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Australia:G | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | USA:PG

Company:

Lija Productions

Trivia:

Tests exist of Lily Tomlin in various scenes that were shot for the film in the 3D format, which was having a resurgence of interest in the US at the time. It was produced and released in 2D, however.

Quotes:

Dan Beame: [surrenders to police, as Pat Kramer returns home] Arrest this man.
Policeman: But you haven't done anything.
Dan Beame: [gives a firm look] Trust me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Golden Girls: Comedy of Errors (#5.9)" (1989)

I thought it was good

Maybe its because I remember seeing this movie on TV so often when I was younger that I still think its hilarious. Its not the best comedy, but some scenes are really funny in a cheesy, early '80s sort of way. Lily Tomlins smile could brighten up any film, and this was directed by Joel Schumacher. I never could figure out why the cinematography in some scenes is so soft, and he actually employs some of the same visuals he would use in later movies. I like how her entire neighborhood seems to be living in a commercial ("Pat, its BoatSheen!") and I think her narration is particularly funny. Give it a chance, don't expect much, and enjoy it for the character actors in bit parts.