Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

Set in a postwar Britain where traditional gender roles shape relationships and social norms. Abortion is illegal, reflecting the era’s restrictive attitudes toward women’s autonomy. Life for factory workers centers on steady work, weekend drinking, and the tension between financial security and personal freedom.

The story unfolds in Nottingham's working-class neighborhoods, anchored by the Raleigh bicycle factory where Arthur works. The city’s pubs, streets, and housing blocks provide a gritty, down-to-earth backdrop for everyday struggles. The factory itself looms as the economic heart of a close-knit, blue-collar community.

💪 Masculinity

Arthur’s drive to resist domestic confinement fuels his pursuit of freedom and pleasure. The film probes how working-class masculinity is shaped by work, bravado, and risk-taking, showing both vitality and volatility in his character.

💔 Love and Betrayal

Arthur’s affair with Brenda and his connection to Doreen test loyalties and highlight the clash between passion and social expectations. Brenda’s pregnancy and the attempt to obtain an abortion expose the harsh consequences of desire in a restrictive era.

🏭 Working-Class Life

The Raleigh factory and weekend drinking culture anchor the world around Arthur and his peers. Economic pressures, camaraderie at the pub, and the limits placed on personal choices define daily life and relationships.