Chance of a Lifetime

The film is set primarily in a British agricultural implements factory located in an industrial town in postwar Britain. Key scenes also take place in London, particularly at the bank's head office in the City of London where financial negotiations occur. A Xenobian delegation also appears, representing an international trade connection.

Chance of a Lifetime is set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, during the late 1940s. The film portrays a Britain still dealing with rationing, economic strain, and the challenges of rebuilding. Factories faced fluctuating demand and tight credit as they struggled to survive in this new economic climate.

The core theme follows workers seizing control of their workplace and transforming a failing plant into a worker-owned venture. The film examines how collective action, solidarity, and practical governance can challenge traditional business hierarchies, exploring both the benefits and costs of shared decision-making.

The factory's survival depends on securing credit and capital amid a tight postwar economy. Workers pledge personal assets, seek bank loans, and pool resources to cover a £120-a-week shortfall. The narrative shows how finance, risk, and reputation intertwine with labor during this desperate bid for continuity.

A breakthrough plough demonstrates technological potential that draws Xenobian interest, but prioritizing this new product creates tension with existing customers. The film explores the clash between pursuing innovation and maintaining allegiance to established contracts, driving much of the drama and eventual leadership changes.

Dickinson (played by Basil Radford) is the weary but stubborn factory owner trying to stave off closure in postwar austerity. He prides himself on hard work and long hours, but his authority is challenged when workers demand a say in running the business. He ultimately dares the workforce to take over while negotiating a deal that preserves his control.

Stevens (played by Bernard Miles) is a pragmatic worker who steps into leadership when the workers elect him and Morris to run the business. He focuses on securing resources, coordinating efforts, and sustaining production without buckling under pressure. His steady approach helps bridge Dickinson's control with worker-driven governance.

Adam (played by Kenneth More) is an ambitious factor who pushes to focus resources on the Xenobian order, prioritizing rapid growth over diversified contracting. His aggressive stance highlights the tension between seeking scale and maintaining reliability, and he becomes a catalyst for leadership shifts within the worker-run factory.

Bland (played by John Harvey) is the hard-edged works manager whose bullying style provokes resentment and pushes labor tensions to a boil. He polices attendance and performance with threats, contributing significantly to the workers' decision to strike. His dismissal during the crisis marks a turning point in management's authority.

The Xenobian delegation represents a breakthrough opportunity for the factory through international trade. Their interest in a new plough creates a demand shock that could secure the factory's future. However, fulfilling this order creates tension with existing customers, highlighting the challenges of balancing new opportunities against established commitments.

Workers demonstrate solidarity by pooling personal resources to save the factory. Notably, Palmer uses his life-insurance policy as collateral to raise capital, embodying pragmatic risk-taking and collective commitment. This willingness to stake personal security shows the depth of worker investment in the factory's survival.

Miss Cooper (played by Josephine Wilson) is Dickinson's secretary who serves as a steady mediator during the upheaval. She keeps communication flowing between management and workers while offering practical advice and calm in moments of crisis. Her loyalty and tact help navigate the delicate transition between old and new management structures.