Made in Dagenham

Made In Dagenham

I love a story with a strong female character. It is even better when the story is historically true. Sally Hawkins is absolutely fantastic in her role of Rita O’Grady. The time is 1968 in Dagenham, England. Rita worked on machines in the Ford car company. The conditions were poor. The women worked long hours in a hot environment. They often worked the machines only wearing their underwear. Rita is upset because she realizes the women are being paid inferior wages.

Rita starts agitating at work and with the union. She makes speeches and organizes the women. As a result of her action a major strike took place at the factory. Over a 1000 people go out on strike and plant is closed. Executives were called from the United States to help break the strike. The men in leadership tried everything to get the women back to work.

The strike caused a lot of hardship both emotionally and economically for many families. The film does a good job in showing family problems and introduces us to a variety of characters involved in this struggle. A female member of the government, Barbara Castle meets the women and takes up their cause. She realizes that even in her position she is feeling isolated because she is working in a male dominated environment. The struggle eventually leads to a bill offering equal pay to women.(1970)

This is an amazing film. I enjoyed watching the different types of women pull together for the common cause. There is a lot of humor but I also realized the dedication and commitment the women showed. It was funny when Rita yelled out.” It is about fairness not whether you have a dick.”

Rita is a strong character. She is tough. She speaks out whenever necessary. At times a member of the audience applauded after she speaks forcefully and stands up for her rights. Her marriage was threatened. She was threatened by the union leaders. You watch the transformation of the men and the women in reaching the positive goals.

There are also secondary issues explored that relate to women’s issues. A male teacher in the school hits the students. Several women complained and he eventually was removed.

I enjoyed the scenes of the wife and her Ford executive husband. She was university trained and obviously intelligent women. Yet, when she was home with her husband she became the dutiful ‘little woman’.

There is something here for everyone. It is a true story and interesting from beginning to end. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sally Hawkins gets a nod for an Oscar.