The Director's Chair Network

Join Katie for a deep dive into John Hughes’ 1988 film **She’s Having a Baby** starring Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern! This more personal, semi-autobiographical entry from Hughes explores marriage, suburban life, growing up, and the pressures of starting a family — with plenty of his signature humor and anxiety mixed in.

Special guest Scott Murphy (host of Bloody Sam: A Peckinpah Fan Podcast and All 90s Action) joins for a fun 1988 time capsule (top movies, boombox bangers, fashion trends), insightful discussion on the film’s fantasy sequences, tonal shifts, Hughes’ conservative streak, and more. We also talk Kevin Bacon’s golden era, Alec Baldwin’s sleazy best friend energy, and that powerful Kate Bush hospital scene.

0:00 – Intro & welcome to guest Scott Murphy  
2:19 – 1988 Time Capsule: Top movies at the box office  
13:11 – Retro Runway: 1980s fashion trends (acid wash jeans, fanny packs & more)  
17:41 – Boombox Bangers: Iconic 1988 hits (George Michael, INXS, Rick Astley & more)  
23:06 – She’s Having a Baby discussion begins  
25:54 – Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth McGovern & the cast  
37:30 – Fantasy sequences, suburban life & Hughes’ conservatism  
43:14 – The emotional hospital scene & Kate Bush song  
59:49 – Alec Baldwin’s role & gender tropes in Hughes films  
1:08:04 – Final thoughts, rating & wrap-up