Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox) is a recent graduate of Kansas State University who moves to New York City where he has landed an entry level job as a financier. Upon arriving, he discovers that the company for which he is supposed to work has been taken over by a rival corporation. As a result, Brantley is laid off before he even starts working.
After several unsuccessful attempts to get another job, mostly because he is either overqualified or underqualified and has little experience, Brantley ends up working in the mailroom of the Pemrose Corporation, which is directed by his uncle, Howard Prescott (Richard Jordan), the CEO. Pemrose was founded by Howard's father-in-law; Howard received presidency of the company by marrying his boss's daughter, Vera Pemrose (Margaret Whitton).
Upon inspecting company reports, Brantley realizes that Howard and most of his fellow "suits" (executives) are making ineffective or detrimental decisions. After Brantley notices an empty office in the building due to one of Howard's frequent firings, he uses his access to the mailroom and his understanding of company processes to create the identity of Carlton Whitfield, a new executive. Brantley then assumes this role....
Directed by Herbert Ross
Produced by Herbert Ross
Screenplay by Jim Cash
Jack Epps, Jr.
A.J. Carothers
Story by A.J. Carothers
Starring
Michael J. Fox
Helen Slater
Richard Jordan
Margaret Whitton
Music by David Foster
Cinematography Carlo Di Palma
Edited by Paul Hirsch