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Still image from the film Rank and File. A black and white image of a group of men leaning on a fence and behind them a police officer.

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.

Part of Take Over Festival 2018

A community hall has tables and chairs set up with colourful bunting and balloons to decorate. People are sat at the tables watching a woman in a pink hat and dress speak.

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Booking is now open for Take Over Festival (#TakeOverStHelens) and for six thrilling weeks between 16th September and 13th December 2018, art, culture and pop-up performances are igniting the streets and the spaces of St Helens.
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