Touching on three decades of history, the film chronicles the brief career and sudden eclipse of Rosie the Riveter — symbol of millions of women who worked in the skilled industrial trades during World War II. The story is told by the women themselves, five former ' Rosies" who recall their histories working as welders, riveters, shipfitters and ammunition specialists around the country. Their reflections are interwoven with rare archival recruitment films, stills, posters, ads and music from the period which contrast the reality of their experiences with the popular legend and mythology of Rosie the Riveter.