Back to browse
70% Critic Match
Salt of the Earth
“At last, an honest movie about American working people”
7.0 / 10• 1954• 1h 34m•NR• English
DramaHistory
Storyline
At New Mexico's Empire Zinc mine, Mexican-American workers protest the unsafe work conditions and unequal wages compared to their Anglo counterparts. Ramon Quintero helps organize the strike, but he is shown to be a hypocrite by treating his pregnant wife, Esperanza, with a similar unfairness. When an injunction stops the men from protesting, however, the gender roles are reversed, and women find themselves on the picket lines while the men stay at home.
Cast & Crew
Rosaura Revueltas
Esperanza Quintero
Lead
Juan Chacón
Ramon Quintero
Will Geer
Sheriff
David Bauer
Barton
MW
Mervin Williams
Hartwell
DS
David Sarvis
Alexander
CJ
Clinton Jencks
Frank Barnes
VJ
Virginia Jencks
Ruth Barnes
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Herbert J. Biberman's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. Salt of the Earth is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
