The $5.20 an Hour Dream (1980)
Directed by Russ Mayberry
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Social Problem Film |
Run Time - 95 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
Share on
Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Clearly inspired by the theatrical feature Norma Rae, The $5.20 an Hour Dream stars Linda Lavin as a recently divorced woman supporting herself and her 12-year-old daughter. The highest-paying job at the Oregon engine factory where she works is on the assembly line--which has traditionally been an all-male operation. Bucking the system (and several stereotyped "chauvinist pigs"), Lavin eventually wins a place on the line, as do several of her female friends. As always, Linda Lavin (for whom this film was a pet project) looks far too self-reliant to ever be considered a "victim," so the climax of $5.20 an Hour Dream is a foregone conclusion. This made for TV movie received an award from the National Commission of Working Women.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
boys'-club, conflict, divorce, employment, factory, impersonation, labor-relations, mother, mountain-biking, one-against-odds, rock-music, role-switching