A comedy-drama which explores real-life events of British life in the late 1960s will be on TV this Saturday, and here’s how to make sure you don’t miss it.
As of May 1968, the Ford Dagenham plant employed fewer than 200 women out of its 55,000 employees, including the main character, Rita O’Grady, a sewing machinist.
Made in Dagenham’s story kicks off when the female workers are told their complaints about being regraded to lower-paid unskilled labour have not been resolved. The women unanimously decide to strike if management doesn’t meet their demands by the next day.
The film shows the women’s struggle for equal pay with their male counterparts, backed by sympathetic union rep Albert. The strike proves so successful that car production at Dagenham comes to a complete halt due to a lack of seats.
The women’s plea ultimately reached national news, drawing the attention of Labour Secretary of State Barbara Castle, and changing British law for good.
Fronting the film are Sally Hawkins as Rita O’Grady, Bob Hoskins as Albert, Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle, as well as an ensemble cast including Rosamund Pike, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Lincoln, Rupert Graves and Nicola Duffett.
With a 80% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, Made in Dagenham is called an “excellent” film by reviewers.
One fan wrote: “Great film! Excellent performances! Demonstrates the stupidity of sexism and the power of positive social change! Bob Hoskins is delightful in this film.”
Another praised the cast’s performances, saying: “Hawkins’ engaging performance and a priceless turn as MP Barbara Castle by Richardson are the film’s main strengths. Hoskins gives solid support as the union man who supports the strike.”
After its release in 2010, Made in Dagenham was nominated for four BAFTA awards: Best British Film, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Miranda Richardson.
After the film’s success, a musical adaptation of the story was opened in 2014 at the Adelphi Theatre in London, starring Gemma Arterton.
Made in Dagenham will be broadcast on BBC One tonight (Saturday) at 11:40pm.
