The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal

Watch The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal

  • 1979
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 7.0  (174)

The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal is a captivating drama film set in pre-World War I New York City. The movie tells the story of the infamous 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that claimed the lives of 146 immigrant workers, mostly young women. The tragedy exposed the corrupt practices of factory owners who placed profits ahead of their workers' safety and highlighted the need for workers' rights.

David Dukes plays Max Blanck, the factory owner, who exploits his workers, pays them poorly and ignores safety standards. Tovah Feldshuh portrays Pauline Newman, a young Jewish woman who is determined to fight for better working conditions and protect the workers' rights. Lauren Friedman delivers a strong performance as Lillie, a young immigrant worker who tragically dies in the fire, highlighting the personal impact of the tragedy while highlighting the plight of the workers.

The movie begins with the factory workers leaving their sweatshops, with many struggling to make a living wage in cramped and dangerous conditions. The early scenes aptly capture the work environment, with the workers laboring away in cramped, dimly lit rooms, surrounded by flammable fabrics and scraps of cloth. Despite their grueling workdays and measly wages, enthusiasm and hope thrive among the young workers as they look forward to better times ahead.

Pauline Newman, a queer Jewish woman, who is the factory worker and union organizer, works to unite the workers and fights for better working conditions, decent wages and recognition for the union. She recruits Lillie, a young immigrant girl, who is eager to join and to support her fellow workers in achieving the dream of a better life. However, their efforts are quickly thwarted by factory owners such as Max Blanck.

As the movie progresses, the tension builds, and the inevitable catastrophe occurs. A fire breaks out in the factory, and the workers are trapped, with no water or fire escapes in sight. The horror and panic of the tragedy are palpable, with women jumping out of windows to their death, burned bodies littering the streets and the sound of the dying workers echoing all around.

The movie's climactic scene shows the legal battle that followed the tragedy, with Newman and the workers' union fighting for justice in the face of opposition by wealthy factory owners. The court case is gripping, with outstanding performances from the cast, and a powerful reminder of the importance of workers' rights and the need for corporate responsibility.

The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal is a well-crafted movie based on real-life events that shine a light on one of the most significant tragedies in American labor history. The film takes a powerful look at the dangers of treating workers as disposable, highlights the need for change, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot defend themselves. The acting is strong, and the movie does an excellent job of depicting a critical event in US history.

In conclusion, The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal is a gripping drama that poignantly portrays the tragedy faced by the workers in 1911. The movie is an eye-opener, and an important reminder of the importance of workers' rights and the need for corporate responsibility. The film's themes are deeply relevant, especially at a time when labor exploitation continues in many parts of the world, making this movie worth watching even today. The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, social justice, and workers' rights.

The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1979
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (174)
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This movie may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu