Switch (1991)

A sexist womanizer is killed by one of his former lovers and then reincarnated as a woman.

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writer:

Blake Edwards

Stars:

Ellen Barkin, Jimmy Smits, JoBeth Williams

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ellen Barkin	...	Amanda Brooks
Jimmy Smits	...	Walter Stone
JoBeth Williams	...	Margo Brofman
Lorraine Bracco	...	Sheila Faxton
Tony Roberts	...	Arnold Freidkin
Perry King	...	Steve Brooks
Bruce Payne	...	The Devil (as Bruce Martyn Payne)
Lysette Anthony	...	Liz
Victoria Mahoney	...	Felicia
Basil Hoffman	...	Higgins
Catherine Keener	...	Steve's Secretary
Kevin Kilner	...	Dan Jones
David Wohl	...	Attorney Caldwell
James Harper	...	Lt. Laster
John Lafayette	...	Sgt. Phillips

Storyline

Steve Brooks is a sexist and the prototype macho. Unfortunately one day he is killed by one of his girlfriends. In heaven, though, there is no place for men like him and he is sent back to earth in the body of a woman so that he can see how women are treated by men like the one he once was.

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Plot Keywords:

blonde | cleavage | scantily clad female | removing nylon stocking | blonde woman | 

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Taglines:

Steve and Walter used to have a preference for blondes. Then Steve was murdered... and came back as one. Will being a woman make him a better man?

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

JoBeth Williams was up for a different part in this film but when she read the script, she said the only part she would consider playing was Margo and she got that part instead.

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Goofs

When Margo fires her revolver at Steve, there are no rounds loaded in the gun.

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Quotes

The Devil: Excuse me.
God, God: Yes.
The Devil: I wish to lodge a complaint.
God, God: What is it this time?
The Devil: I have as much right to Steve Brooks' soul as you do.
God: That's why I sent him back. If he can't find one female who likes him, then his soul is yours.
The Devil: Well, that's not a fair test. He'll pick some helpless, unsuspecting female, pretend to be everything he's not. In the end, she'll adore him. And you'll be honor abound to admit an unregenerate debaucher into Heaven.
God: What do you suggest?
The Devil: Teach him a lesson. And at the same time, make it ...
[...]

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Connections

Remake of Goodbye Charlie (1964)

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Soundtracks

Barren Ground
Written by Bruce Hornsby & John Hornsby
Performed by Bruce Hornsby & The Range
Produced by Don Gehman & Bruce Hornsby
Remixed by Allen Meyerson
Published by Zappa Music/Bob-A-Lew Songs/Basically Gasp Music (ASCAP)
Courtesy of RCA Records

User Reviews

I'd wish they'd make more films like this.

I just finished watching this movie on youtube and i absolutely enjoyed it, I love gender bender films and this one's on my top list. "Switch" is another movie to explore the differences between men and women in a light romantic comedy setting. Steve, a selfish womanizer is lured by three of his previous conquests to a night he imagines will fulfill his lusts in the arms of these women. Instead, Steve is shot by them after a botched drowning attempt in the hot tub. God refuses to let Steve into Heaven until he can find one woman who truly loves him unconditionally. In much the manner of Job, Satan has a chance to bedevil the situation by returning Steve as a gorgeous woman, Amanda, who receives the same treatment from the men she meets that Steve would have given her. The movie's plot focuses on Steve/Amanda's attempt to find one woman who loves him unconditionally. The only thing i hated about this film was the ending, It was a letdown it wasn't what i expected but i guess it was OK during the time of it's release.

If you haven't seen this film, I recommend you do because it's worth a watch. It's not really an Oscar worthy film so don't take it too serious.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blake Edwards' Switch

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,770,991, 12 May 1991

Gross USA:

$15,545,943

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$15,545,943

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beco Films, Cinema Plus, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1