A Shock to the System poster

A Shock to the System

Climbing the corporate ladder can be murder.

6.5(154)19901h 31m5

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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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
English
  • new york city
  • based on novel or book
  • sailing
  • lighter
  • murder
  • electrocution
  • advertising executive
  • advertising agency
  • madison avenue
  • corporate ladder

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Director

Jan Egleson

Produced in

United States of America

Gallery

Still from A Shock to the SystemStill from A Shock to the SystemStill from A Shock to the SystemStill from A Shock to the SystemStill from A Shock to the SystemStill from A Shock to the System

Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • TheatricalR23 Mar 1990
  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical1519 Dec 1990
    • Physical159 Sept 2002
  • FranceFR

    • TheatricalU3 Apr 1991

Frequently asked questions

A Shock to the System was released on 23 March 1990.

Audience reviews

3
  • J

    John Chard

    11/15/2014

    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 …

  • C

    CinemaSerf

    8/26/2023

    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 eli…

  • K

    kevin2019

    3/2/2026

    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 been…

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