The Story
ROSE DONNELLY (Bethany Walls) works in an aviation factory during World War II as a riveter, alongside numerous other women. Exhausted from being overworked with no breaks, MARIE (Chloe Amen) slices open her hand on machinery. Rose tries to speak with their supervisor DAVE (William Charlton) about the issue, but he brushes her off and announces the company is hosting a dance as a benefit for the workers. Rose runs into JAMES HOWARD MILLER (James Ciskanik), an artist hired to design posters for the factory. James’ interest in Rose grows but Rose wants to focus on her work. As she walks across the factory floor, one of the OLD MEN (P. David Miller) who constantly whistles and cat-calls at the girls slaps Rose on the backside, while Dave watches unphased.
At the dance, Rose tries to speak to a union representative, but he dismisses her. Meanwhile, her African American co-worker GLADYS (Staci Ashley) is barred from entering the dance. Rose has had enough. She organizes the women, and they walk out the next day, demanding proper breaks and a supervisor for the women. Rose holds Gladys’s hand as they walk out together. James speaks to Dave in an attempt to help the girls, but claims the women will refuse to work, or do a terrible job. Rose intervenes and promises Dave they would never put the soldiers in jeopardy. They want to work to help the war, and have proven they can do the job just as well as any man. They only ask for the same amount of respect and resources to do the job right. Weeks later, Rose is the women’s supervisor for the factory, managing a happier and safer work environment for all employees.
At the dance, Rose tries to speak to a union representative, but he dismisses her. Meanwhile, her African American co-worker GLADYS (Staci Ashley) is barred from entering the dance. Rose has had enough. She organizes the women, and they walk out the next day, demanding proper breaks and a supervisor for the women. Rose holds Gladys’s hand as they walk out together. James speaks to Dave in an attempt to help the girls, but claims the women will refuse to work, or do a terrible job. Rose intervenes and promises Dave they would never put the soldiers in jeopardy. They want to work to help the war, and have proven they can do the job just as well as any man. They only ask for the same amount of respect and resources to do the job right. Weeks later, Rose is the women’s supervisor for the factory, managing a happier and safer work environment for all employees.
