Directed by Jim Abrahams

Big Business is a classic screwball comedy that thrives on mistaken identities, over-the-top hijinks, and the brilliant dual performances of Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin. Released in 1988 and loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, the film finds its comic gold in a simple yet hilarious premise: two sets of identical twins are switched at birth, with one pair raised in the lap of New York luxury, and the other in a small-town Southern environment.

Fast forward to adulthood, and fate reunites the mismatched siblings in Manhattan—unaware of the others’ existence—as a major corporate deal is underway. What follows is a cascade of misunderstandings, identity swaps, and escalating farce, all centered around a fancy hotel, a boardroom takeover, and the sisters’ vastly different personalities clashing in outrageous ways.

Bette Midler is a comedic force, playing both the brash, no-nonsense city exec and the small-town dreamer with infectious energy and precise timing. Lily Tomlin matches her beat for beat, bringing heart, intelligence, and deadpan wit to her dual roles. Their chemistry—even when acting opposite themselves—is the film’s backbone, and it’s nothing short of spectacular.

Director Jim Abrahams (known for his work on Airplane! and Top Secret!) brings a fast pace and a love for absurdity to the film, while still allowing room for the characters to shine. The 1980s backdrop, complete with big hair, shoulder pads, and corporate satire, adds an extra layer of charm and nostalgia.

While Big Business doesn’t aim for depth or subtlety, it doesn’t need to—it succeeds as pure entertainment, offering a showcase for two comedy legends and a tight, playful script that never overstays its welcome. It’s a joyful ride of mistaken identities, sisterly chaos, and ultimately, a celebration of individuality and sisterhood.

If you’re looking for a breezy, laugh-out-loud comedy with top-tier talent and a delightfully ludicrous plot, Big Business delivers in a big way.