The first woman to hold major cabinet positions in the male-dominated world of politics, Barbara Castle, talks candidly about her life in Michael Cockerell's intimate film portrait. Branded by the Conservatives as Red Barbara, she also enraged her own party, Labour, by seeking to reform the trades unions. Her passionate approach to politics was mirrored by her private life. She tells of her first sexual encounters and of her love affairs. She also meets Tony Blair for the first time and delivers her verdict.