Norma Rae     

By Robert Lane

Veteran director Martin Ritt (Sounder) directed this earnest and very popular tale of a naive textile worker, widow, and mother in the U.S. South who becomes empowered by standing up for her rights in the workplace. Sally Field stars in the Oscar-winning title role as a woman who has been content to go along with the status quo until she realizes that she is entitled to more and can succeed if she stands up for herself. Her fight to improve deplorable working conditions at the textile plant causes a rift between her and the people closest to her, but her determination brings a new awareness to her and to all the women with whom she works. Ritt's typical, socially conscious story uses the politics of Norma Rae's struggle and also its emotions to build the film to a rousing climax.

Academy Awards

Norma Rae received Academy Awards for Actress (Sally Field) and Best Song (David Shire, Norman Gimbel). Norma Rae also received Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture (Tamara Asseyev, Alex Rose) and Best Screenplay (Irving Ravetch, Harriet Frank Jr.).

Share Your Memories!

Is Norma Rae one of your favorite movies? What do you remember about it? Share your stories (or your reviews) with the world! (We print the best stories right here!)