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