Director Kenneth Loach. Producer Graeme McDonald. Script Jim Allen. 1971. 71 min
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 play 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.

Part of Takeover Fest

Heart of Glass’ TakeOver, in partnership with St.Helens Libararies, is a curated season of live and participatory arts events, screenings, talks and collaborative commissions that take place in and beyond cultural spaces, in the public realm and in unexpected places across the town of St Helens.. For eight thrilling weeks art, culture and pop-up performances will ignite the streets and the spaces of St Helens. No location is off limits as artists are invited to showcase new and engaging work in libraries, shops, labour clubs and marketplaces. St Helens 150’s edition of the festival examines the idea of identity. In a world where the only constant thing is change, what does that mean to our sense of self?

*With thanks to the BFI National TV*