A Shock to the System

"Climbing the corporate ladder can be murder."

Mar 23 1990 R 1h 28m
Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Madison Avenue executive Graham Marshall has paid his dues. A talented and devoted worker, he has suffered through mounting bills and a nagging wife with one thing to look forward to: a well-deserved promotion. But when the promotion is given to a loud-mouthed yuppie associate, Graham unleashes his rage on an overly aggressive panhandler, who he accidently kills by pushing him into the path of an oncoming subway train. He re-thinks his problems with an entirely new solution. First, he arranges an "accident" for his annoying wife. Then he creates another "mishap" for his boss. It seems like the world is once more Graham's oyster…but a missing cigarette lighter and a prying police detective may change all that.

Official Trailer
Plot

When you think you're at the top of the corporate ladder and then discover they have managed to pull that ladder away, sometimes you have to take it upon yourself to "level" the playing field, both professionally and personally. Sir Michael Caine delivers an electrifying performance as Graham Marshall, who quickly catches onto the possibilities as he clears all the hurdles to occupy the corner office.

Written by

Simon Brett, Andrew Klavan

Directed by

Jan Egleson

Cast

Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Brigand Films

Languages

English

Awards

1 nomination total

Trailers
A Shock To The System (1990) - Official Trailer
Scores
# of Votes
6,471
Average Rating
6.6 out of 10
Metascore
69
Popularity
NA