Swing Shift (1984)

In the bustling heart of 1940s Los Angeles, Jack and Kay Walsh are a quintessential couple of the era. Jack, the breadwinner, and Kay, the dutiful housewife, find their roles firmly rooted in tradition. In their housing complex, they live alongside their intriguing and street-smart neighbor, Hazel Zanussi, an ambitious singer occasionally taking the stage at a local club run by her unfaithful boyfriend, Biscuits Toohey. Despite Jack's explicit disdain for Hazel, Kay harbors a silent fascination for her unconventional neighbor. The tranquil rhythm of their lives is shattered on December 7, 1941, when the bombing of Pearl Harbor plunges the United States into the maelstrom of World War II. Jack swiftly enlists in the Navy, leaving Kay to navigate the complexities of life on her own. Against Jack's wishes, Kay is compelled to heed the government's call for women to contribute to the war effort. She secures a job as a riveter at MacBride, a military aircraft manufacturer in Santa Monica, where Hazel also finds employment. At the factory, Kay and Hazel's relationship evolves from mutual distrust to a steadfast friendship, sparked by their collective resilience against the scorn of their male counterparts. This newfound independence and camaraderie empowers Kay, enabling her to stand on her own and make critical decisions independently. Simultaneously, she finds herself drawn to their charismatic line leadman, Lucky Lockhart, who dreams of being a trumpeter rather than a factory worker. As Kay grapples with her burgeoning feelings for Lucky, she remains acutely aware of her loyalty to Jack. As the war rages on, Kay's life becomes increasingly intricate, marked by her evolving friendships, newfound independence, and the romantic entanglement with Lucky. The true test awaits her when and if Jack returns from the war. Will she be able to revert to her previous life, or has the war forever altered the fabric of her existence? The film Swing Shift offers a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a world in turmoil.

Swing Shift is a drama movie featuring Goldie Hawn and directed by Jonathan Demme.

It is possible to buy Swing Shift on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.