Nice movie depicts the way it was back home in WW II.

TxMike

When you have 24-hour jobs in any industry, the 3 shifts are commonly called Day shift, Swing shift, and Graveyard shift. This movie deals mainly with the relationships of a cast of characters working the swing shift in a military airplane manufacturing plant on the west coast during World War Two. Since most of the able bodied men went off to war, the ladies were given the construction jobs.

The movie has another item of interest, it was made about the time that Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn began their long relationship which persists today, about 23 years later.

Goldie Hawn is Kay Walsh, young housewife whose husband Jack (Ed Harris) goes into the Navy. With no skills at all, she begins working in the factory. She learns fast and does well, and after the bravely pushed a co-worker out of harm's way when an overhead engine was falling, she was promoted to 'leadman.'

Kurt Russell is 'Lucky' Lockhart, a trumpet player who is 4F but also working the swing shift. Even though Lucky knows Kay is married, he persists in a romantic pursuit.

Another swing shift member is played by Christine Lahti as Hazel, part time club singer. She, Lucky, and Kay work together and become fast friends. Her love interest also goes off to war, Fred Ward playing 'Biscuits' Touie. A young Holly Hunter is Jeannie , another member of the work crew.

SPOILERS. Lonesome, Kay eventually gives in to Lucky's pursuit, and they develop a not so secret relationship. Husband Jack returns unannounced, is greeted by Kay, Lucky, and Hazel, and it is clear to Jack what was going on. Disappointed in Kay, he leaves again. Finally in 1945, when the war ended, Jack came back after Jack and Kay had called it quits. She apologized for her infidelity, they began to work things out. Probably realistic of how things were back then.

score /10

TxMike 7 May 2006

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1361601/