Is Norma Rae Based On A True Story?

Have you watched the movie Norma Rae? It centers around the life of mill workers and their poor working conditions, which makes people wonder if it is based on a true story.

Norma Rae is a thriller and drama movie that received an Academy Award for Best Actress in Leading Role due to her exceptional performance as Norma Rae. The screenplay of the movie is written by Irving Ravetch and the story is based on a book with the name Crystal Lee.

A 1979 drama film Norma Rae is actually based on the true story of a female Factory worker named Crystal Lee Sutton. In this article, we will dive deep into the story of the movie and separate facts from fiction.

Is Norma Rae Based On A True Story?

The story of the movie Norma Rae is based on Henry Leifermann’s book Crystal Lee published in 1975. The story narrated in the book is based on the real-life story of a female Mill worker Crystal Lee Sutton. 

The movie is entirely based on this non-fiction book so it is right to say that the movie Norma Rae is directly based on the true story of Crystal Lee Sutton. She was the woman who stood up and became the voice of all the factory workers.

What Is The Plot Of The Movie Norma Rae?

The plot of the movie revolves around the life and experiences of Norma Rae. She is a married woman with two kids from two different fathers and lives with one of her husbands. She works in a Factory where they make the poor workers work overtime and in very bad conditions.

After she lost her father who also worked in the same factory, she was very devastated. She then realized that there was a need for change and to make a Union. She was helped in the process by a Union organizer named Reuben. Together they were successful in unionising the factory.

What Happened To Crystal Lee Sutton?

Crystal Lee Sutton was fired from her job when she stood for the union of the Factory workers. She successfully became a Union Organiser and she gained popularity after the release of the movie in 1979.

She has seen her parents struggle and always wanted to do better for her kids which she eventually did. But unfortunately in 2009, she died at the age of 68 years due to Brain Cancer because the cancer was incurable.

Also, read Is Anatomy Of A Fall Based On A True Story?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Did Norma Rae Stand For?

Norma stood for the unity of the textile workers to improve their poor working conditions and create a healthy work environment for all.

Who Is Norma Rae In Real Life?

The character of Norma Rae is based on the real life of Crystal Lee whose real story is narrated in the movie.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, these are all the details you should know about the movie being based on real life. The story of Crystal Lee Sutton has inspired many people and a book was also written on her story in 1975. Norma Rae is the movie adaptation of the story of Crystal Lee based on the book and her real story. 

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