Rita, a witty 26-year-old hairdresser, wants to 'discover' herself, so she joins the Open University where she meets the disillusioned professor of literature, Dr. Frank Bryant. His marriage has failed, his new girlfriend is having an affair with his best friend and he can't get through the day without downing a bottle or two of whisky. What Frank needs is a challenge... and along comes Rita.
Acting
Caine and Walters both earned Oscar nominations — deservedly.
Writing
Willy Russell's stage dialogue sings without feeling theatrical.
Direction
Gilbert trusts two people talking in rooms.
Director
Lewis Gilbert
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Julie Walters originated Rita on stage and fought to keep the role on film; producers wanted a bigger name.
The Open University subplot reflected real 1980s Britain — Thatcher-era working-class education access was politically loaded territory.
GB
