Episode 32 - Educating Rita - 'Not Rich Kids' Discuss

FOLLOW US:  Not a Rich Kid - Instagram Educating Rita: Class, Education, and Finding Yourself The hosts of Not Rich Kids Discuss review Educating Rita, outlining its origins as Willy Russell’s 1980 play and Lewis Gilbert’s film adaptation starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. They summarise the story of working-class hairdresser “Rita,” pressured by husband Denny to have a baby, who pursues Open University literature tutorials with the jaded, alcoholic tutor Frank Bryant; her passion renews his purpose as she navigates class anxiety, snobbery, and a sense of being “in between.” They contrast the film’s authentic desire for self-betterment with the Australian film Peterson, discuss Russell’s and Walters’ working-class backgrounds, and praise the film’s warmth, humor, nuanced characterisation, unobtrusive passage of time, and platonic teacher-student bond, while noting some convenient plotting and distracting synth music. All three rate it five stars. 00:00 Welcome and Film Intro 01:12 Plot and Themes Overview 02:10 Willy Russell Background 03:13 Julie Walters Connection 04:23 Meet the Panel 04:36 Reviews and Class Nuance 06:06 Comparing to Peterson 08:21 Rita Meets Frank 11:10 Marriage and Motherhood Pressure 13:14 Denny and Patriarchy 17:12 Snobbery and Curiosity 20:49 Open University and Mentorship 22:19 Choosing Yourself Not Romance 23:51 Pub Song and In-Between Life 26:22 Working Class Directness in Essays 28:23 Dialogue and Lasting Impact 28:35 Why It Hits Home 29:20 Hairdresser To Writer 29:51 Populism Versus Critics 31:27 Rita Heart And Humor 34:28 Bohemian Housemate Trap 37:31 Keeping Your Voice 38:50 Education Snobbery Rant 42:51 Macbeth Essay Moment 44:17 Music And Time Jumps 47:24 Convenient Plot Gripes 49:00 Five Star Wrap Up 50:53 Final Thanks And Credits Get in touch:  Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice. Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know!  The Not a Rich Kid Team:  Kath Dolheguy  Frankie Kanatas Sarah Ryan-Linstrom  Post audio - Mike Tillbrook  Theme song:  ‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.  Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:   VCA who provided studio space City of Melbourne Arts Grants Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants