The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal

New York at the turn-of-the-century, March 24, 1911, was a bubbling melting pot of European immigrants, all hoping to start a new life and partake in the American Dream. However, the harsh reality was a city of crowded tenements and dingy factories where laborers would work 6-day, 56 hour workweeks for the paltry sum of nine dollars.

It is in this struggling, yet hopeful world where The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal takes place. The story follows the lives of four young immigrant women who work in an overcrowded garment district sweatshop. Here, you'll experience the dreams and passions of these young girls and the events that lead up to one of the most tragic fires in American history, where 146 women lost their lives.

Directed by Emmy-winner Mel Stuart, The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal captures the marvelous atmosphere of the times, while the first-rate acting performances paint a vivid portrait of a group of people who all have an appointment with destiny.

Events depicted in this film were inspired by the actual Triangle Shirt Waste Factory fire which lasted less than 20 minutes. Sweatshop conditions with blocked exits and inadequate fire escapes caused much of the tragedy. One hundred forty six employees died, mostly women. More than fifty hurled themselves from windows and panels. Eye witnesses saw an mysterious man appear who with bizarre gallantry helped young women leap from the ninth floor ledge. Twenty three individual suites against the owners of the ash building, were settled at a rate of seventy five dollars per life lost. In the months and years to follow, a state commission, born out of the tragedy, an acted legislation for fire-proofing, sprinkler systems and safety standards, from the triangle Factory ashes, the Infant International Lades Garment Workers Union gained support and strength. For the survivors, there was soles in the greco carried from other troubled lands. Life must go on.

An Alan Landsburg Don Kirshner Production

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