Bread & Roses

Movie·1993·3h 14m

Bread & Roses

A survivor for whom mere survival was not enough

Directed By

Gaylene Preston

Country

New Zealand

Language

English

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// overview

The Story

Based upon the life of activist and trade unionist (and later MP) Sonja Davies. The film covers her life up to 1956, when, at age 33, she was elected to the Nelson Hospital Board. During this period she develops strong socialist beliefs, marries and divorces, at age 17 trains as a nurse, has a romance (and a child) with an American marine who is killed in WWII action. She battles tuberculosis and marries a former boyfriend when he returns from the war. She becomes part of a women's ill-fated campaign to save the Nelson railway line from closure and begins to be elected to political bodies.

Written By

Graeme Tetley

Producer

Robin Laing

Cinematography

Allen Guilford

Music

John Charles

Editor

Paul Sutorius

Themes

nursenew zealandpoliticiantuberculosiswoman directorsocialistswomen's rights

Production House

Preston Laing
New Zealand Film Commission

Audience Score

85%

2 votes

Skip4%
Timepass10%
Go for it34%
Perfection52%

Where to watch

Streaming availability not listed for your region yet.

// cast

Cast

Geneviève Picot

Geneviève Picot

Sonja

Mick Rose

Mick Rose

Charlie

Donna Akersten

Donna Akersten

mrs. Mackersey

Raymond Hawthorne

Mr. Mackersey

Tina Regtien

Con

Erik Thomson

Erik Thomson

Red

Theresa Healey

Theresa Healey

Peggy

Frances Kewene

Maisie

Emily Perkins

Joan

Larissa Matheson

Dot

Katherine McRae

Syd

Janet Fisher

Ruth Page

Jo Briant

Jo Briant

Barbara

Ralph Johnson

Ralph Johnson

Snr Det. Thompson

Katy Beasley

Katy Beasley

T.B. Ward Sister

William Walker

Wally

// crew

Crew

Allen Guilford

Director of Photography

Graeme Tetley

Screenplay

Gaylene Preston

Gaylene Preston

Director

John Charles

Original Music Composer

Paul Sutorius

Editor

Robin Laing

Producer

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