Mannequin (1987)

A young artist, searching for his vocation, makes a mannequin so perfect he falls in love with it. Finding the mannequin in a store window, he gets a job there and his creation comes to life.

Director:

Michael Gottlieb

Writers:

Edward Rugoff, Michael Gottlieb

Stars:

Andrew McCarthy, Kim Cattrall, Estelle Getty

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Andrew McCarthy	...	Jonathan Switcher
Kim Cattrall	...	Emmy
Estelle Getty	...	Claire Timkin
James Spader	...	Richards
G.W. Bailey	...	Felix
Carole Davis	...	Roxie
Steve Vinovich	...	B.J. Wert (as Stephen Vinovich)
Christopher Maher	...	Armand
Meshach Taylor	...	Hollywood
Phyllis Newman	...	Emmy's Mother
Phil Rubenstein	...	Mannequin Factory Boss
Jeffrey Lampert	...	Factory Worker
Kenneth Lloyd	...	Superdad
Jake Jundef	...	Superkid (as Jake Jundeff)
Harvey Levine	...	Balloon Boss

Storyline

Down on his luck artist Jonathan Switcher bounces from one dead-end job to another, never managing to hold onto any of them. But everything changes when he builds a beautiful mannequin, which he falls in love with. It is the first thing he has made that makes him feel like a real artist. Much to his surprise, Jonathan discovers the mannequin prominently displayed in the window of Prince and Company department store. When he saves the life of an old lady who happens to be the owner of that store, he is rewarded by getting a job at the store as a stock boy. The mannequin later comes to life as Ema "Emmy" Hesire, an ancient Egyptian princess living in the year 2514 BC. Gorgeous and vivacious, this femme fatale helps Jonathan turn his career around, inspiring him to become the best window dresser in town. But Emmy soon discovers that the real world is not very dear, when they run into greedy rivals who want to bring them out of business - for good.

---

Plot Keywords:

mannequin | department store | mannequin comes to life | window display | window dresser | 

---

Taglines:

Some guys have all the luck!

---

Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 February 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Perfect Timing

Filming Locations:

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,001,208, 16 February 1987

Gross USA:

$42,721,196

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$42,721,196

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gladden Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scenes for the rival store Illustra were filmed at an actual department store, Boscov's in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. It's easy to distinguish by the square chandeliers and neon department signs on the walls.

---

Goofs

When Emmy gives an obscene gesture, the mannequin, viewed from behind on the cycle, has a left hand on her right arm.

---

Quotes

Jonathan Switcher: Just when I think you're real, you vanished. What's with you? What's with me?
Ema 'Emmy' Hesire: Didn't I tell you? You're the only one who can see me like this.
Jonathan Switcher: It's not exactly fair, is it?
Ema 'Emmy' Hesire: [points to the sky] Talk to them.

---

Connections

References The Twilight Zone: The After Hours (1960)

---

Soundtracks

Do You Dream About Me
Performed by Alisha
Produced by Mark Berry
Courtesy of RCA Records, PolyGram Records and Liberation Records
Words & Music by Diane Warren

User Reviews

Good fun and not too serious

I doubt that this is one of the best films ever made, but it is without a doubt one of the better films of the eighties. The acting from McCarthy and Cattrall is superb and the soundtrack is also credible. There are some bad points, but they only show if you analyse too cynically. Some call ti the seminal eighties movie, and rightfully so with many decade references and costume get ups, (think Hollywood Montross, and the scene where Emmy and Jonathon dance there way through the store) All in all a good movie, worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars