Synopsis
Norma Rae follows a feisty, working-class woman in a small Southern town who becomes increasingly politicized after a New York labor organizer arrives to unionize her oppressive textile mill. Despite personal hardships, family resistance, and pressure from management, she risks everything to stand up for workers' rights. Sally Field's powerful, Oscar-winning performance transformed her career and made the film a landmark in American cinema.
Did You Know?
- Sally Field won her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
- The film is based on real union organizer Crystal Lee Sutton.
- Director Martin Ritt was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.
- The iconic 'UNION' sign scene was improvised by Sally Field.
- Burt Reynolds turned down the male lead role.
Iconic Quotes
- They can lock the gate, but they can't lock us out forever.
- You don't have to like me, but you're going to respect me.
- I'm a woman. I'm a worker. I got a right to something.
- You can fire me, but you can't fire the union.
- I'm staying right here. You're going to have to carry me out.
