Norma Rae

1979, Drama, 1h 53m

30 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Spearheaded by a galvanizing Sally Field, Norma Rae is a heartening and politically powerful drama about an ordinary woman taking an extraordinary stand. Read critic reviews

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Norma Rae Photos

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Movie Info

Like a lot of her family before her, Norma Rae (Sally Field) works at the local textile mill, where the pay is hardly commensurate with the long hours and lousy working conditions. But after hearing a rousing speech by labor activist Reuben (Ron Leibman), Norma is inspired to rally her fellow workers behind the cause of unionism. Her decision rankles her family, especially her fiancé, Sonny (Beau Bridges), and provokes no shortage of contempt from her employers.

Cast & Crew

Sally Field
Norma Rae
Ron Leibman
Reuben
Beau Bridges
Sonny
Pat Hingle
Vernon
Barbara Baxley
Leona
Gail Strickland
Bonnie Mae
Morgan Paull
Wayne Billings
Robert Broyles
Sam Bolen
John Calvin
Ellis Harper
Booth Colman
Dr. Watson
Lee de Broux
Lujan
James Luisi
George Benson
Gilbert Green
Al Landon
Bob Minor
Lucius White
Mary Munday
Mrs. Johnson
Gregory Walcott
Lamar Miller
Noble Willingham
Leroy Mason
Lonny Chapman
Gardner
Bert Freed
Sam Dakin
Bob Hannah
Jed Buffum
Martin Ritt
Director
Irving Ravetch
Screenwriter
Harriet Frank Jr.
Screenwriter
Tamara Asseyev
Producer
Alexandra Rose
Producer
John A. Alonzo
Cinematography
Sidney Levin
Film Editing
Walter Scott Herndon
Production Design
David Shire
Original Music
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Critic Reviews for Norma Rae

All Critics (30) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (3)
Full Review… Gary Arnold Washington Post Full Review… Judith Martin Washington Post Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… Geoff Andrew Time Out Full Review… Nell Minow Movie Mom Full Review… Jas Keimig The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Full Review… Michael Ventura L.A. Weekly Full Review… Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Full Review… Kathy Kahn Big Mama Rag Full Review… Jesús Fernández Santos El Pais (Spain) Full Review… Robert Hatch The Nation
View All Critic Reviews (30)

Audience Reviews for Norma Rae

  • Jan 05, 2019
    Field and Leibman are very good here but the movie spends too much time on soap opera-esque character dynamics. If there were more scenes like the iconic one of Field holding up the "union" sign or the workers recounting their difficulties then this might have been a more effective drama.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jan 23, 2014
    Kind of a relic from a bygone era, Norma Rae is a female unionist who goes through much of the trials and tribulations that one goes through in organizing a union in a hostile environment. Sally Field was nonetheless aptly rewarded for giving it her all.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2010
    A fantastic social drama, and still relevant today too! Field is perfect, and she even won an award for this performance, so if you're a fan don't miss this one. It's a really good movie.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Jul 26, 2009
    Entertaing and original drama about the development of a Union in a Alabama textile factory. What makes this film great is the relationship between Sally Field and Ron Leibman.Everyone in the film is good,but these two make the film.He is a New York Union organizer and she is a worker in the factory and the both establish a bond right away.They become very close and have a almost romantic relationship without any romantic liaisons,which was very original. The Union story is also very interesting and the film takes its time to develop characters and story.Great direction by Martin Ritt and beautifully photographed by John Alonzo.
    cody f Super Reviewer
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