大象传媒

Documentary examining the history behind the stereotype of the Welsh 'Mam'. The story starts with the creation of the myth in the 1850s and its development through the second half of the 19th century as the coal industry grew in the valleys of south Wales. The early 20th century in the coalfields saw strikes, unemployment, the growth of the unions and huge levels of poverty - at home the 'mam' kept the house going cleaning and rearing the children.

Post-war Wales brought in better homes with new gadgets and also the development of factory work for women. The story ends with the miners' strike of 1984 and beyond as domestic life changed - despite this it was still the 'mam' who was responsible for most of the work in the home. Includes previously unseen archive and excerpts from Hollywood films which grew the myth even further; notably 'Proud Valley' and 'Blue Scar'.