IMDb 6.4 1988 HD

Big Business

Big Business

1988
Comedy
97 min PG USA
6.342 / 10
6.4 IMDB

In the 1940s in the small town of Jupiter Hollow, two sets of identical twins are born in the same hospital on the same night. One set to…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Jim Abrahams
Starring
Bette Midler / Lily Tomlin / Fred Ward / Edward Herrmann / Michele Placido / Daniel Gerroll / Barry Primus / Michael Gross

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

amusing predictable energetic charming dated enjoyable over-the-top lighthearted star-driven familiar

Reviews

S
Samantha Lee
May 19, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

In Big Business, Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin embark on a dual-role adventure, portraying two sets of identical twins inadvertently switched at birth. The film’s strength lies in this central conceit and the actresses’ commitment to differentiating their…

R
Richard Hayes
May 19, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

The concept behind Big Business, a tale of swapped twins and colliding worlds, is undeniably intriguing, especially with Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin leading the charge. Both actresses tackle the demanding dual roles with commendable effort, attempting to…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Big Business is a delightful exercise in cinematic symmetry, built around the formidable talents of Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin. They are tasked with a Herculean feat: playing two sets of identical twins, each representing opposing ends of…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 19, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This 1988 comedy, Big Business, hinges entirely on the dual performances of Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, who are tasked with portraying four distinct characters – two sets of identical twins. The plot, a classic switched-at-birth scenario from…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 19, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Big Business, a product of the late 80s, offers a frothy, albeit familiar, tale of mistaken identity. The premise, involving two sets of identical twins separated at birth due to a hospital blunder, is ripe for comedic potential.…

FAQs

Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin tackle the unique challenge of playing two distinct sets of identical twins. Their performances are central to the film's success, requiring them to embody four different characters with contrasting personalities and social standings. Their comedic timing and ability to differentiate each twin are crucial to selling the premise and delivering the film's humour.