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Salt of the Earth (1954)

94 min  -  Drama | History  -   14 March 1954 (USA)
7.5
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Ratings: 7.5/10 from 1,387 users  
Reviews: 38 user | 15 critic

Based on an actual strike against the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against the Mexican-American workers... See full summary »

Writer:

Michael Wilson (by)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Will Geer Will Geer ...
Sheriff
David Wolfe David Wolfe ...
Barton
Mervin Williams Mervin Williams ...
Hartwell
David Sarvis David Sarvis ...
Alexander
Rosaura Revueltas Rosaura Revueltas ...
Esperanza Quintero
E.A. Rockwell E.A. Rockwell ...
Vance
William Rockwell William Rockwell ...
Kimbrough
Juan Chacón Juan Chacón ...
Ramon Quintero (as Juan Chacon)
Henrietta Williams Henrietta Williams ...
Teresa Vidal
Ángela Sánchez Ángela Sánchez ...
Consuelo Ruiz (as Angela Sanchez)
Clorinda Alderette Clorinda Alderette ...
Luz Morales
Virginia Jencks Virginia Jencks ...
Ruth Barnes
Clinton Jencks Clinton Jencks ...
Frank Barnes
Joe T. Morales Joe T. Morales ...
Sal Ruiz
Ernesto Velázquez Ernesto Velázquez ...
Charley Vidal (as Ernest Velasquez)
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Storyline

Based on an actual strike against the Empire Zinc Mine in New Mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against the Mexican-American workers, who struck to attain wage parity with Anglo workers in other mines and to be treated with dignity by the bosses. The film is an early treatment of feminism, because the wives of the miners play a pivotal role in the strike, against their husbands wishes. In the end, the greatest victory for the workers and their families is the realization that prejudice and poor treatment are conditions that are not always imposed by outside forces. This film was written, directed and produced by members of the original "Hollywood Ten," who were blacklisted for refusing to answer Congressional inquiries on First Amendment grounds. Written by Bob Shields <rshields@igc.apc.org>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Strike | Zinc Mine | Mexican American | New Mexico | Dignity  | See more »

Taglines:

Banned! The film the US government didn't want you to see! See more »

Genres:

Drama | History

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

La sal de la tierra See more »

Filming Locations:

Bayard, New Mexico, USA See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Members of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, Local 890, who were part of the original strike upon which this story is based, appear in this film as either extras or supporting cast. Juan Chacón, who played Ramon Quintero, was the Union Local president. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: When Ramon is in the bar, his hands change position several times between shots. See more »

Quotes

Esperanza Quintero: [opening narration] How shall I begin my story that has no beginning? My name is Esperanza, Esperanza Quintero. I am a miner's wife. This is our home. The house is not ours. But the flowers... the flowers are ours. This is my village. When I was a child, it was called San Marcos...
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Connections

Referenced in Brush with Life: The Art of Being Edward Biberman (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

"We Shall Not be Moved"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by the women on the picket line See more »