Danielle is a thirtysomething workaholic, at the end of her financial rope from ownership of the massive old Lawrence mill thats been in her family since the time of the citys world-famous Bread and Roses Strike in 1912. But the city isnt what it used to be. Jobs are long gone, broken factories are all but empty, and smokestacks that once gushed smoke now gush empty promises. Most of the descendants of the strike-era mill workers who built Lawrence, Massachusetts have run away from the citys post-industrial demise, brought on (from Danielles perspective) by the steady influx of the citys Spanish-speaking residents.

Danielles last tenant is driven from the building by yet another vandalism tag of her mill by a Latino gang that plagues the already-plagued city. Danielles lawyer brother, Ray, is pressuring her to sell the mill to avoid legal consequences from her considerable debts and back taxes. She doesnt want to sell but shes finding hope hard to come by with no renters and no one interested in a welfare city where English is second to Spanish in schools, stores, and signage. Danielle directs her resentment at Victor, the Latino teen court-ordered to clean the tags from her mill after getting caught. She isnt happy about having this kid in her presence, nor is he thrilled working for this Millie who cares more about old bricks in the mill city than the people in it.

On a typical late night at the mill, Danielle is startled in the late-electric-bill-induced darkness by Victor. He confesses hes hiding from Miguel, the gang leader Victors apparently angered. Before Danielle can call the police, Miguel shows up with a gun, shooting at both of them before taking off. Danielle instinctively places herself in front of Victor, directly in the bullets path. They turn to each other, miraculously unharmed. Victor escapes down a stairwell. Suddenly, Cora and the rest of the Millies step out from the darkness into the moonlight streaming in the giant windows. Cora stands right next to Danielle, holding the bullet in her hand. Danielle faints as she states the hypothetical question, Youre not community theater, are you

Inspired by the most influential textile strike in American history – “The Bread & Roses Strike of 1912”- Millies will be filmed in the actual historic locations throughout the Immigrant City of Lawrence, Massachusetts.