Appropriate for: High School College/University
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In 1982, one woman took on the New York City Fire Department in a landmark lawsuit - and won. As a result, women could become firefighters for the first time. Of the few who joined, one woman was knifed, one was beaten up and several received death threats from male firefighters. "Someone had drained my air-tank, and I was in a burning building," recalls one woman firefighter. Narrated by Susan Sarandon, TAKING THE HEAT is the eye-opening documentary about how these women survived over twenty years in a department that did not want them. Telecast nationally on the Emmy-winning series Independent Lens (PBS), the film explores a highly dramatic and emotional chapter in the struggle for gender equality in present-day America.
A rare, honest, life-changing documentary about the hurt and honor of being a life-time pioneer... Every American could be strengthened by seeing this film.
GLORIA STEINEM
full review
An eye-opening film... excellent for stimulating discussion on the on going struggles of women.
Nancy Lutkehaus
Chair, Gender Studies, USC
full review
This film's sophisticated, even-handed and unflinchingly rigorous hard look at the aftermath of legal victory makes it ideal for graduate classroom and upper-level undergraduate courses.
Vicki Been
Elihu Root Professor of Law, NYU
full review
Enlightening, unsettling... By the end of this film it is hard to avoid the cold, hard truth.
NEWS TRIBUNE
A compelling documentary about an important subjcect... Highly recommended.
BUSINESS STANDARD
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