Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

In the sweltering summer of her 17th year, Sue Ellen "Swell" Crandell (played by) finds herself trapped in a bind, unable to indulge in the European escapades her friends have planned. The prospect of a liberating summer with her siblings Kenny, Zach, Melissa, and Walter is suddenly snatched away as their mother departs for an Australian adventure with her new beau, leaving behind a live-in babysitter, Mrs. Sturak, to take care of the brood.

Initially, the children are thrilled by Mrs. Sturak's warm demeanor, but it isn't long before they realize she's a tyrant in disguise, sparking a chain reaction of rebellion among the kids. Fate intervenes when Mrs. Sturak meets her untimely demise, and Swell is left to confront the grim reality. Fearing their mother's return will bring an abrupt end to their summer freedom, the siblings concoct a harebrained scheme to dispose of the body, hoping to avoid detection by leaving it at the local mortuary with a fabricated note.

However, their plan takes a dramatic turn when they discover that Mrs. Sturak's purse containing their mother's spending money was left behind. With financial constraints looming large, Swell musters the courage to take on a part-time job at Clown Dog, where she catches the eye of her coworker Bryan. But after quitting due to an obnoxious manager, Swell concocts a daring ruse by forging an impressive résumé under the guise of a Vassar-educated young fashion designer and applies at General Apparel West (GAW).

Her deception pays off when Rose Lindsey, a high-ranking executive at GAW, is charmed by Swell's credentials and hires her as an executive assistant on the spot. This development is met with resistance from Carolyn, a receptionist initially slated for the position. As Swell navigates the complexities of her new role, she must balance her adult responsibilities while still clinging to her teenage identity.

In a bid to support her family, Swell pilfers from petty cash at GAW, intending to return the funds when she receives her paycheck. She also begins a romantic escapade with Bryan, only for their relationship to falter when she discovers he's Carolyn's brother. A heated argument sparks an acrimonious parting of ways between the star-crossed lovers, leaving Swell to face the consequences of her actions and the uncertain future that lies ahead.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Carolyn seethes with resentment towards Swell (played by (actress name)) following her promotion, and she conspires with co-worker Bruce to undermine Swell's authority. Meanwhile, Swell must also navigate the unwanted affections of Gus, a self-absorbed corporate executive who has been seen frequenting Rose's company. The added stress is compounded when Swell discovers that her siblings have pilfered from her purse to fund their extravagant spending habits, including the purchase of a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

When the fate of GAW hangs precariously in the balance, Swell takes it upon herself to create a new clothing line, with Rose's suggestion of hosting a fashion show serving as the catalyst for this endeavor. However, the absence of petty cash leaves them without a suitable venue, prompting Swell to propose an unconventional solution: transforming her home into a makeshift banquet hall. With her siblings reluctantly agreeing to help clean, beautify the property, and serve as caterers, Swell's vision is finally brought to life.

The evening's events take a dramatic turn when Rose finds herself at a crossroads, choosing to sever ties with Gus after Swell exposes his philandering ways. In an attempt to discredit Swell, Carolyn presents Rose with a copy of her driver's license, revealing the protagonist's youth. However, Rose sees through Carolyn's ploy, dismissing it as petty jealousy and instead choosing to celebrate Swell's creativity.

As the evening draws to a close, Bryan arrives on the scene, seeking to mend fences with Swell. His surprise encounter with Carolyn, however, serves only to further complicate matters. The situation is soon exacerbated by Mrs. Crandell's untimely return home, prompting Swell to confess her deception to the assembled guests. Despite this betrayal, Rose chooses to forgive Swell, citing the evening's success and the enthusiasm of the fashion buyers as justification for her mercy.

In a stunning turn of events, Carolyn and Bruce find their vehicle vandalized by Kenny's friends, leaving them reeling from the aftermath. Swell declines Carolyn's offer to serve as her personal assistant, opting instead to focus on her academic pursuits. With Bryan and Swell finally reconciling and sharing a tender moment, they are abruptly interrupted by Mrs. Crandell's inquiry about Mrs. Sturak.

As the credits roll, we are treated to a poignant glimpse into the life of Mrs. Sturak, whose gravestone bears the inscription: "Nice Old Lady Inside, Died of Natural Causes." Two mortuary workers, reflecting on their recent discovery of Mrs. Sturak's remains, concoct a plan to use the funds found on her person to fund an impromptu trip to Las Vegas.