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13 On Now

The Rank & File

18th Oct 2018
Event Details
Categories
  • Film screening,
  • Collectivity

The Rank & File is based on the Pilkington Glass strike that took place in St. Helens in 1970, although for legal reasons the BBC insisted that the firm be renamed Wilkinsons and the action relocated to the Potteries. The film depicts a wildcat strike among rank and file union members antagonised by a too-cosy relationship between the board and union executive that had resulted in the gradual erosion of pay and conditions. Loach uses a documentary approach to cover the action, and the rank and file meetings in particular look as if they were lifted directly from contemporary news reports.

Author Jim Allen, director Kenneth Loach, producer Graeme McDonald. Script Jim Allen. 1971. 71 min.

Chester Lane Library has an accessible toilet, ramp and parking.

£4, £3 (St Helens Library Card), £2 (concessions). Tickets for this event can be purchased online here and from any St Helens library. Buy a season ticket to attend 3 screenings for the price of 2.