Bread and Roses

The reappearance of Charlie Davies, an old friend and recently returned serviceman, marks a turning point. They marry and he devotes himself to her recovery. Reunited with Penny they become a family and set out to share in the new life promised after the war. Struggles with shortages, bureaucracy, and ill-health hamper their efforts but Sonja emerges again as a survivor.

A pacifist by inclination, Sonja finds her political strength amongst women and comes to public attention as one of the ring-leaders of a 1955 "sit-down" protest on a railway line threatened with closure - protest that scandalised the nation but awakened in Sonja the knowledge that the efforts of the individual could make a difference.

A survivor, who knew that mere survival was not enough either for herself or for the rest of society, Sonja Davies lived her life believing everyone should share in both the Bread AND Roses.

Bread and Roses was originally formatted for both cinema and television release. The three hour, 20 minute film (in two parts) is based on the true story of New Zealander Sonja Davies, a feminist, trade unionist and politician.