Expert: Barbara L. Baker - 10/2/2005

Question
I'm a 1st-year Sociology teacher trying to develop a project for my HS kids on the Peter Principle.  The theory states that people are often promoted to their level of incompetence.  A person may have succeeded brilliantly at a lower level but after being promoted it soon becomes obvious he/she is in way over his/her head.  Are there any films that come to mind that put this theory on display?

Thanks so much for your time!

Jim

Answer
Dear Jim--its an interesting idea.  I'm not sure there are films with the exact concept of the Peter Principle, but there are several films related to people who rise to success and wind up in difficulties (although, Hollywood being Hollywood, if the film is a comedy, usually everything turns out all right in the end).  I'm giving you a list of comedy films that might work to illustrate the theory (if not the whole film, then possibly scenes from it):

Any Laurel & Hardy short, but particularly "Big Business."

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1967; based on the Broadway musical)

"Being There" (1979)--Hal Ashby's satirical film where Chance the Gardner (Peter Sellers) winds up as President (although may be too much like "Forrest Gump" since Chance is definitely a pure innocent)

"Best Defense" (1984)with Dudley Moore & Eddie Murphey(business/war incompetence)

"The Secret of My Success" (1987) Herbert Ross's film, with Michael J. Fox.

"The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994)--the Coen Brothers film with Tim Robbins

"The Wrong Guy" (1997)--a black comedy with Dave Foley playing a man very angry when he's passed over for promotion.

"American Beauty" (1999)--although another black comedy, the sequences in the office might work.

"Office Space" (1999)--might have some scenes you could use in this story of disgruntled office workers.

plus a couple of failed crime/heist comedies:

"Welcome to Collinwood" (2000)
"Palookaville" (2005)

And finally, there was a British comedy TV show called "The Peter Principle" which ran from 1995-2000.  I've not seen it; apparently it is about a businessman named Peter and his travails at work.

I hope this gives you some ideas.  Good luck!