Franny Armstrong
Franny Armstrong

McLibel

1997 · 81 mins

"The longest trial in English legal history"

Trailer

Synopsis

McLibel is the story of two ordinary people who humiliated McDonald's in the biggest corporate PR disaster in history.

McDonald's loved using the UK libel laws to suppress criticism. Major media organisations like the BBC and The Guardian crumbled and apologised. But then they sued gardener Helen Steel and postman Dave Morris.

In the longest trial in English legal history, the "McLibel Two" represented themselves against McDonald's £10 million legal team. Every aspect of the corporation's business was cross-examined: from junk food and McJobs, to animal cruelty, environmental damage and advertising to children.

Outside the courtroom, Dave brought up his young son alone and Helen supported herself working nights in a bar. McDonald's tried every trick in the book against them. Legal manoeuvres. A visit from Ronald McDonald. Top executives flying to London for secret settlement negotiations. Even spies.

Filmed over ten years by no-budget Director Franny Armstrong, McLibel is the David and Goliath story of two people who refused to say sorry. And in doing so, changed the world.

Reviews

"An irresistible David and Goliath tale... you can't help but cheer along"

Seattle Times

Awards

  • 100% Rotten Tomatoes
  • BFI Ten Docs That Changed the World

Links

Photos 43