Up the workers. Particularly if the alternative is the spongers of so-called reality television.
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These are two very different views of Essex, set 43 years apart. To say they are about the same place is to compare Manhattan with Home Alone 2. Certain obvious differences emerge when looking at the Essex of 1968 and the Essex of 2011: Plot 1968 – Women bond and team up with like-minded men to take on dark corporate powers, so that their work can be respected and appreciated on the same level as male peers. 2011 – Women split up with like-minded men, so that they can avoid work, be feted as reality TV stars and acquire spray tans. Protagonist Made in Dagenham centres around the fictional character Rita O’Grady (Sally Hawkins), the initially shy machinist who goes on to speak on behalf of her female colleagues to fight the case for equal pay. The Only Way Is Essex’s nightclub owner Mark Wright has girls throwing themselves at him for reasons which are not explained. Credibility O’Grady is a fictional character and the women did not work at the Dagenham plant, but nearby. Nonetheless, the Equal Pay Act of 1970 did result from similar workers’ courage and determination. The basic story is true, and you see some of the real-life characters portrayed, as with David O’Russell’s The Fighter, interviewed on the closing credits. The cast of the ITV2 show, we are assured by narrator Denise Van Outen, “are all real.” Nothing is scripted. The co-producer is Ruth Wrigley, who once exec-produced Big Brother. But as far as reality TV goes, its staged break-ups and hook-ups make you appreciate the value of great scripts and good acting. If all the world’s a stage, and these are its players, a trap door would be most welcome. Talent on show Made In Dagenham – Nigel Cole’s film features an ensemble cast of some of Britain’s most respected actors from Happy-Go-Lucky star Hawkins, the rising TV actor Daniel Mays as her husband Eddie, Andrea Riseborough, Geraldine James, Rupert Graves, Bob Hoskins and Miranda Richardson. There’s a Stella Street reunion as Phil Cornwell and (playing Harold Wilson) John Sessions both appear, if not in the same scene. The West Wing’s Richard Schiff represents an employee from Ford’s American office. The Only Way Is Essex – n/a. Work ethic The characters in the film are keen to get their heads down and work hard, even with a leaky roof, until principles intervene and they begin a difficult quest for parity. On the TV show, there are nightclubs where you can hear every word spoken, and beauty clinics with no customers. A rum do. Sample dialogue Made in Dagenham – “How will we cope? We’re women. We always cope.” The Only Way Is Essex – “Where did you get your boobs done?” “Belgium.” Political agenda The Dagenham factory workers go to see secretary of state for employment Barbara Castle who, under pressure from Ford and Harold Wilson, supports them. Miranda Richardson’s Castle is depicted as being surrounded by male simpletons. Lucy: “Who’s the prime minister?" Joey: “What, of Essex?” Lucy has something in common with the secretary of state. Random Pride and Prejudice link 1968 – Rosamund Pike, who starred as Jane Bennet in Joe Wright’s 2005 film, plays a schoolteacher in Made in Dagenham. 2011 – Mr Darcy is the name of the pig, who had his trotters painted red to match owner Lydia Bright’s Christian Louboutin shoes. Use of the phrase “Shutt Upp” Bob Hoskins’ shop steward shouts the phrase to get the female shop floor workers’ attention. Ultimately he says this is because he respects them and is interested in their feedback. On the ITV2 show, 16-year-old trainee beautician Harry Derbridge says it, repeatedly, because he is interested in hearing his own voice, and a catchphrase is a good idea for any reality show contestant when a personality is not close to hand. Marketing pitch Made In Dagenham’s DVD release this week is being heralded as “the perfect Mothers’ Day gift.” The Only Way Is Essex is an argument against mothers of any kind procreating.Donate to us: support independent, intelligent, in-depth Scottish journalism from just 3p a day
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