A Shock to the System poster
6.5/10 1990 1h 31m Released

Climbing the corporate ladder can be murder.

When experienced advertising executive Graham Marshall loses out on a promotion to a young man, he goes down in a path of vengeance.

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Top Cast

Michael Caine
Michael Caine
Graham Marshall
Elizabeth McGovern
Elizabeth McGovern
Stella Anderson
Peter Riegert
Peter Riegert
Robert Benham
Swoosie Kurtz
Swoosie Kurtz
Leslie Marshall
Will Patton
Will Patton
Lieutenant Laker
Jenny Wright
Jenny Wright
Melanie O'Conner
John McMartin
John McMartin
George Brewster
Barbara Baxley
Barbara Baxley
Lillian
Haviland Morris
Haviland Morris
Tara Liston
Philip Moon
Philip Moon
Henry Park
Kent Broadhurst
Kent Broadhurst
Executive #1
Zach Grenier
Zach Grenier
Executive #2
David Schramm
David Schramm
Executive #3
Sam Schacht
Sam Schacht
David Jones
Christopher Durang
Christopher Durang
Convention Speaker
Mia Dillon
Mia Dillon
Graham's Secretary

Reviews

John Chard 9/10

Graham has had enough of getting the shaft… A Shock to the System is directed by Jan Egleson and adapted to screenplay by Andrew Klavan from the novel written by Simon Brett. It stars Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert, Will Patton and Swoosie Kurtz. Music is by Gary Chang and cinematography by Paul Goldsmith. Graham Marshall (Caine) is once again overlooked for promotion and once again his harpy…

CinemaSerf 7/10

I enjoyed this. "Graham" (Michael Caine) gets a bit narked when he is overlooked for promotion at work. When he heads home, he realises that that is just the beginning of his irritations - his wife "Leslie" (Swoosie Kurtz) nags him relentlessly! What to do? Well, his house has some dodgy electrics and whilst trying to restore the lights, he gets a mild electric shock. His "Eureka" moment is upon him - he can just…

kevin2019 8/10

"A Shock to the System" is one of those films where you eventually find yourself rooting for the character - in this case Graham Marshall - who would ordinarily be considered the bad guy, especially in light of the fact he proceeds to murder all the key figures in his life who have gradually become obstacles frustrating his efforts at every turn to achieve his full professional potential. This excellent film has…

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FAQ about A Shock to the System

What is A Shock to the System about?
When experienced advertising executive Graham Marshall loses out on a promotion to a young man, he goes down in a path of vengeance.
When was A Shock to the System released?
A Shock to the System was released in 1990.
What genres does A Shock to the System belong to?
A Shock to the System is categorised as Crime, Comedy.
Who stars in A Shock to the System?
The cast of A Shock to the System includes Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert, Swoosie Kurtz, Will Patton.