Set in São Paulo in 1980, the film tells the story set in a militant working-class family. The son, Tião, and his girlfriend, Maria, decide to get married when the young woman becomes pregnant. At the same time, a divisive strike is called in the metal-working industry where both father and son are employed. Tião, worried about losing his job, decides to go to work, which puts him into direct conflict with his father, Otávio, an active union man, who had spent three years in prison when Brazil was under military dictatorship.

A story that could easily fall prey to all the easy stereotypes about trade union families is rescued by Leon Hirszman's strong sense of narrative, his astonishing visual and spatial imagination, and his ability to command powerful performances from his acting troupe. Based on a 1960's stageplay by Gianfrancesco Guarnieri, "They Don't Wear Black Tie" is a dramatic and moving film about working-class life in the megalopolis of São Paulo, South America's financial and industrial capital.

Images are copyright of the individual producers/distributors.

Series concept, texts, and other materials copyright © 2003-2006 William Gilcher. All rights reserved.