9 to 5 (film) be a drama, but "any way we did it, it seemed too preachy, too much of a feminist line. I'd wanted to work with Lily [Tomlin] for some time, and it suddenly occurred to [her producing partner] Bruce and me that we should make it a comedy." Patricia Resnick wrote the first draft drama, and Fonda cast herself, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in the leads, the latter in her first film role. Then Colin Higgins came on board to direct and rewrite the script. Part of his job was to make room for all three in the script. Higgins
The Man Who Fell to Earth premiered at BFI Southbank before being released in cinemas across the UK on 9 September of that year. Since its original 1976 release, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" has achieved cult status. On film review site Rotten Tomatoes, the film has achieved an 82% rating based on 52 reviews, the critical consensus stating: "Filled with stunning imagery, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" is a calm, meditative film that profoundly explores our culture's values and desires." Metacritic reports an 81 out of 100 rating based on 9 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". It was entered into the 26th Berlin International