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Salt of the Earth (1954) 7.4
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 ... See full summary » Director:Herbert J. BibermanWriter:Michael Wilson (by) |
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Title: Salt of the Earth (1954)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Will Geer | ... |
Sheriff
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David Wolfe | ... |
Barton
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Mervin Williams | ... |
Hartwell
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David Sarvis | ... |
Alexander
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Rosaura Revueltas | ... |
Esperanza Quintero
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E.A. Rockwell | ... |
Vance
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William Rockwell | ... |
Kimbrough
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Juan Chacón | ... |
Ramon Quintero
(as Juan Chacon)
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Henrietta Williams | ... |
Teresa Vidal
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Ángela Sánchez | ... |
Consuelo Ruiz
(as Angela Sanchez)
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Clorinda Alderette | ... |
Luz Morales
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Virginia Jencks | ... |
Ruth Barnes
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Clinton Jencks | ... |
Frank Barnes
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Joe T. Morales | ... |
Sal Ruiz
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Ernesto Velázquez | ... |
Charley Vidal
(as Ernest Velasquez)
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Plot Summary
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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>
Taglines:
The Only Blacklisted American Film See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
14 March 1954 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
La sal de la tierra See more »Company Credits
Production Co:
Independent Production Company (IPC), Intl Union of Mine, Mill & Smelter Workers See more »
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1
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(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by the women on the picket line
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Did You Know?
Trivia
This film's original copyright expired 1982 and was not renewed, thereby placing it into public domain. See more »Goofs
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. The Anglos changed the name to Zinc Town. Zinc Town, New Mexico, U.S.A. Our roots go deep in this place, deeper than the pines, deeper than the mine shaft. In these arroyos my great grandfather raised cattle before the ...See more »
Soundtracks
"We Shall Not be Moved"(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by the women on the picket line
See more »
"The only film in US history to be blacklisted."
That alone is praise!
SALT OF THE EARTH, a powerful film shot on a threadbare budget, mostly with local non-actors, was branded as "communist propaganda" during the infamous McCarthy "Red Scare" and was hardly shown in the USA when first released. However, the film was widely exhibited in Europe, where it was lauded with acclaim. It wasn't until the 1960's and 1970's that anyone in the USA had a decent chance to see this powerful work, and then only in film festivals, union meetings, or college campuses.
It is not propaganda. It is about the struggle for dignity and recognition. The making of this film it testament to that alone! For fear of destruction by "anti-communist" technicians, the film stock had to be smuggled into development labs and worked on in secret! Director Herbert J. Bieberman was arrested during filming, and had to give scene directions by letter and telephone while in prison.
The film the U.S. Government didn't want you see...now part of the National Film Registry. Consider watching this as driving a stake through Joe McCarthy's heart.