Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Sally Hawkins | ... | Rita O'Grady | |
Andrea Riseborough | ... | Brenda | |
Jaime Winstone | ... | Sandra | |
Lorraine Stanley | ... | Monica | |
Nicola Duffett | ... | Eileen | |
Geraldine James | ... | Connie | |
Bob Hoskins | ... | Albert Passingham | |
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Matthew Aubrey | ... | Brian (as Matt Aubrey) |
Daniel Mays | ... | Eddie O'Grady | |
Roger Lloyd Pack | ... | George (as Roger Lloyd-Pack) | |
Phil Cornwell | ... | Dave | |
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Karen Seacombe | ... | Marge |
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Thomas Arnold | ... | Martin |
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Sian Scott | ... | Sharon O'Grady |
Robbie Kay | ... | Graham O'Grady |
In 1968, the Ford auto factory in Dagenham was one of the largest single private employers in the United Kingdom. In addition to the thousands of male employees, there are also 187 underpaid women machinists who primarily assemble the car seat upholstery in poor working conditions. Dissatisfied, the women, represented by the shop steward and Rita O'Grady, work with union rep Albert Passingham for a better deal. However, Rita learns that there is a larger issue in this dispute considering that women are paid an appalling fraction of the men's wages for the same work across the board on the sole basis of their sex. Refusing to tolerate this inequality any longer, O'Grady leads a strike by her fellow machinists for equal pay for equal work. What follows would test the patience of all involved in a grinding labour and political struggle that ultimately would advance the cause of women's rights around the world. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
Made in Dagenham hit the screen and shows that a not-exceedingly-mega- budget film can be the best of the year.
The factually based story of how the Dagenham women brought Ford to a standstill makes for surprising film material.But it works .The film is authentic to the late 60s down to the tea cups and kitchen cabinets , the clothes and make up.
Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle steals the film,Bob Hoskins,Geraldine James are all excellent in their roles.
Stay in for the credits though, that part of it had me reaching for the tissues .
This is a film which will have you shaking with anger one minute and crying the next.Highly recommended.