Salt of the Earth (1954)

Mexican workers at a Zinc mine call a general strike. It is only through the solidarity of the workers, and importantly the indomitable resolve of their wives, mothers and daughters, that they eventually triumph.

Director:

Herbert J. Biberman

Writer:

Michael Wilson (by)

Stars:

Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, Will Geer

3 wins.

Cast

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

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. 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.

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Plot Keywords:

national film registry | zinc mine | strike | new mexico | usa | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

14 March 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

La sal de la tierra

Filming Locations:

Bayard, New Mexico, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Productions, The International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the American Film Institute's 1998 list of the 400 movies nominated for the Top 100 Greatest American Movies.

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Goofs

When Ramon is in the bar, his hands change position several times between shots.

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Quotes

Esperanza Quintero: Ramon, I don't like to bother you, but the store, they say, uh, we will not make another payment on the radio this month, they'll come and take it away... We're only one payment behind... I argued with her. It isn't right.
Ramon Quintero: It isn't right, she says. Was it right that we bought this... this instrument? But you *had* to have it, didn't you. It was *nice* to listen to.
Esperanza Quintero: I listen to it... every night... when you are out at the beer parlor.
Ramon Quintero: 'No money down'. 'Easy term payments'. I tell you something -...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: our scene is NEW MEXICO LAND OF THE FREE AMERICANS WHO INSPIRED THIS FILM

HOME OF THE BRAVE AMERICANS WHO PLAYED MOST OF ITS ROLES.

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Connections

Featured in Golden Rule: The Investment Theory of Politics (2009)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Outstanding

This was the most moving motion picture I have ever seen. To think that people with no acting experience could evoke such emotions. They all deserved and Oscar for their performances. The courage of the people throughout the picture is evident. I'm ashamed of our government for allowing such events leading up to the making of this moving film, but had it not occurred we would never have had the opportunity of seeing it. This film has had a profound effect on a lot of people allowing them to see how power in the wrong hands can do more harm than good. We must protect our country from harmful influences but at what price? I wish more movies moved me as much as this one.