This film was produced by the United Mine Workers union. Apparently, it's the only American film to be blacklisted and was made by many blacklisted folks. It's amazing, really, as the film is NOT pro-communist (at least not overtly) and has to do with problems people of all political persuasions would agree are wrong. While this might have been controversial in its day, today the film just seems very inspiring and well worth seeing.
"Salt of the Earth" is set in the small town of San Marcos—a community in New Mexico inhabited by Hispanic-Americans who work in the mine--and is based on an actual strike. It's very unusual in that it's told more from the point of view of the workers' wives—and it's narrated by her ('Esperanza'--Rosaura Revueltas). Much of film is in Spanish but enough is in English that viewers should have no trouble understanding.
The film focuses on a group of workers who have had enough—particularly in regard to serious safety problems in the mines. In addition, company stores, poor sanitation and general discrimination against Hispanics all resulted in this walkout strike. Once this strike began, it became obvious that the police were in the pockets of the owners and were used as instruments to try to intimidate and break up the union. In particular, the beating of Ramon and birth of child is very compelling scene that illustrates this alliance.
After many months, the strike has continued and the women begin to assert themselves. While the husbands are very traditional and sexist, the women begin demanding better sanitation and even begin to walk the picket lines once the men are court-ordered to stop picketing. Will these folks be able to wait out the mine owners?
The film is an incredibly sensitive and compelling film that humanizes the workers and familiarizes the viewer with their plight. I was not surprised to see Will Geer in a role as the sheriff, as he had a long history of union and leftist politics—this is not a criticism—just an observation. Overall, an incredibly well-made film considering that it mostly uses normal folks and not actors. It also is one of the most pro-feminist films of the era--and very compelling throughout. Well worth seeing...and this is coming from a guy who politically is relatively far to the right on many issues. A great portrait of some very brave Americans.
"Salt of the Earth" is set in the small town of San Marcos—a community in New Mexico inhabited by Hispanic-Americans who work in the mine--and is based on an actual strike. It's very unusual in that it's told more from the point of view of the workers' wives—and it's narrated by her ('Esperanza'--Rosaura Revueltas). Much of film is in Spanish but enough is in English that viewers should have no trouble understanding.
The film focuses on a group of workers who have had enough—particularly in regard to serious safety problems in the mines. In addition, company stores, poor sanitation and general discrimination against Hispanics all resulted in this walkout strike. Once this strike began, it became obvious that the police were in the pockets of the owners and were used as instruments to try to intimidate and break up the union. In particular, the beating of Ramon and birth of child is very compelling scene that illustrates this alliance.
After many months, the strike has continued and the women begin to assert themselves. While the husbands are very traditional and sexist, the women begin demanding better sanitation and even begin to walk the picket lines once the men are court-ordered to stop picketing. Will these folks be able to wait out the mine owners?
The film is an incredibly sensitive and compelling film that humanizes the workers and familiarizes the viewer with their plight. I was not surprised to see Will Geer in a role as the sheriff, as he had a long history of union and leftist politics—this is not a criticism—just an observation. Overall, an incredibly well-made film considering that it mostly uses normal folks and not actors. It also is one of the most pro-feminist films of the era--and very compelling throughout. Well worth seeing...and this is coming from a guy who politically is relatively far to the right on many issues. A great portrait of some very brave Americans.