“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Mannequin was a film released in 1987 starring Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. The story was about finding love and doing your passion. It was a feel good romantic-comedy (rom-com), that is memorable for its theme song Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.

Mannequin Trailer

PASSION TRUMPS ALL

1. Find your passion and get paid for it

The main character in the movie, aptly named Jonathan Switcher, as he was constantly switching jobs in the film. Kind of reminds me of John Ritter as Jack Tripper in Three’s Company, as his character was always tripping or falling. Ritter’s character also did lots of pratfalls (falling down) like Chevy Chase would do on Saturday Night Live for laughs as a sight gag dating back to the days of vaudeville.

Anywho, in the film Jonathan was really an artist at heart, but he just couldn’t find the right gig. Finally, as luck would have it, being nice and kind, is what got him his start.

He was walking when a little old lady (Estelle Getty, Sophia from Golden Girls) came into the path of a huge store sign that was falling. He pushed her out of the way and saved her life! She just so happened to be the owner of a major women’s department store and offered him a job on the spot.

This changes the course of his life.

Once she learns what he can do, she gives him a job as a window dresser. This is where his artistry skills come into play.  He finally found a way to make a living doing something he loved and was good at.  And people were willing to offer him good money. A competitor wanted to offer him big bucks for his skill by doubling his salary. He said he didn’t do it just for the money.

Turn your passion into your career. 

He kept his job where he was. This is where the movie truly begins.

Your Fired! Pick up your paycheck and get out of here.

COMPASSION

2. Compassion for others

Before getting his job as a window dresser, Jonathan had lost his job, his girlfriend (Roxy, played by Carole Davis), had no money, and was just sad and alone. All that changes when he starts dressing a Mannequin who comes to life!

Her name is Emmy. She says she saw him last night in the rain.  He looked so sad and lonely. So, she came back to life just for him.

Emmy Comes Alive

DANCE

3. Dance

It’s good exercise and fun. Singing also can help cure loneliness, sickness, and unhappiness.

So, like I once heard Toni Braxton say to her sistsers on Braxton Family Values, “Don’t be the fun police. Don’t be the fun po-po.” When you go out, have some fun. Don’t be a wallflower. Go out there on the dance floor and dance.

Good health is vital on the road to wealth. You don’t have to lift a ton of weights, but you do need to get moving.

So, sing and dance, will ya.

The absolute most fun and funniest scene in the movie was the dance scene. That is what dancing does, it brings you to life and in this film that means literally.

Dancing scene 

NO STEALING

4. Don’t steal

The men in the film are competitors to Switcher’s company. Once they find out about Emmy and her helping him make a name for himself as an in-demand window dresser, all hell breaks loose. They steal Emmy and then get arrested for it.

Do not steal. That’s all I have to say.

BE NICE

5. Be nice

Jonathan was a nice guy, but he was nobody’s fool. His kindness to others was always reciprocated back to him. He was nice. Then he got a job offer. He was nice. Easily, he made a friend. He was nice. And found his true love.

Good things can happen when you are nice. Being nice attracts things to you. In this film, it was a job.

It’s like Mark Cuban says, “It’s always easier to be nice than to be a jerk. Don’t be a jerk.” So be nice.

REAL LOVE IS WORTH THE WAITING FOR

6. Real love is something worth waiting and fighting for

My favorite and best scene of the film was the ending where they get married while the song Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship is playing. This is the most memorable part of the movie. It was a good way to end the film. It was a great scene and it made you feel good. Jonathan had finally found true love with Emmy.

When she came on the scene she informed him that she wanted to escape a loveless marriage from 4000 years ago B.C. She waited to come back to life to find the right man. And she commented to him in the film that she was so glad she picked him. And they only had eyes for each other.

Window Wedding Scene

This life is unpredictable. There are only a few things that are worth fighting for. Love is definitely top of that list.

I remember this movie fondly. It still has a special place in my heart.

This movie is what inspired me to help little old ladies. I had to help a complete stranger get out of a chair at a hotel one time. It just so happened that she was alone and I saw her struggling to get up. I walked over and asked if he needed help getting up. She looked up at me in surprise and said yes.

It sure felt good to help someone in need.

I do it every chance I get. Helping people across the street. Answering questions. I try to tip pretty well.

You know, I just try to treat people the way I would like to be treated.

I am nobody’s doormat, but I try to help the little guys out.

So recap…

1. Find your passion and get paid for it
2. Have compassion for others
3. Dance
4. Don’t steal. Earn your keep. Work for what you want.
5. Be Nice
6. Anything worth having is worth the wait