Dagenham

Indeed, Conviction is one of several films this fall (others include Secretariat, which just opened, and Made in Dagenham, which is coming in November) that rely on the classic model of underdog drama -- and are based on true stories.

Marshall Fine: Movie Review: Conviction Marshall Fine 2010

Indeed, Conviction is one of several films this fall (others include Secretariat, which just opened, and Made in Dagenham, which is coming in November) that rely on the classic model of underdog drama -- and are based on true stories.

Marshall Fine: Movie Review: Conviction Marshall Fine 2010

Danny dahn DagenhamSally's on-screen husband in Made in Dagenham is the fine young actor Danny Mays.

Trailer Trash Jason Solomons 2010

Made in Dagenham has made the Ford machinists famous but there is a long history of women striking for equality at work

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010

In the week that Made in Dagenham opens at the cinema, celebrating those heroic women who walked out of the Ford plant in 1968 to fight for equal pay, how depressing to read that 37% of British schools now offer cheerleading as a "sport".

Stuff your pompoms. This isn't sport Victoria Coren 2010

Both Made in Dagenham and Leeds – United! portray women having to fighting a double battle – against their employers and against their union.

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010

Made in Dagenham does not shy away from depicting the financial hardships and social ructions that striking causes.

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010

What Made in Dagenham does convincingly do is compress a number of real-life strikers into the character of Rita O'Grady and show her as strike leaders are: unprepared, showing self-doubt and hesitant initially, they can grow in time and with experience to become eloquent and forceful spokespeople.

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010

But that cannot be a criticism of Made in Dagenham any more than it can be of any other film.

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010

In Made in Dagenham, Rita O'Grady, the leader of the women strikers, is asked, "What does it feel like to make history?"

Women didn't just strike in Dagenham Gregor Gall 2010