Not many people remember the 1954 film salt of the earth, a lowbudget account of a mining strike in new mexico. It is, however, a propaganda picture which belongs in union halls rather than theatres. Salt of the earth 1954 not rated 1h 34min drama, history 14 march 1954 usa mexican workers at a zinc mine call a general strike. Biberman, with will geer, david wolfe, david sarvis, belongs at turner classic movies. This movie was the only blacklisted film ever in american film history. This premise leads us into our next filmic spotlight, the 1954 drama salt of the earth, one of the most controversial films in american cinematic. Salt of the earth 1954 at new mexicos empire zinc mine, mexicanamerican workers protest the unsafe work conditions and unequal wages compared to their anglo counterparts. Find movie and film award information for salt of the earth 1954 herbert biberman on allmovie. It is only through the solidarity of the workers, and importantly the indomitable resolve of their wives, mothers and daughters, that they eventually triumph.
Biberman, with will geer, david wolfe, david sarvis, at turner classic movies. Salt of the earth is a good, highly dramatic and emotioncharged piece of work that tells its story straight. Salt of the earth 1954 cast and crew at new mexicos empire zinc mine, mexicanamerican workers protest the unsafe work conditions and unequal wages compared to their anglo counterparts. The image measures 570 800 pixels and is 95 kilobytes large. Salt of the earth 1954 rotten tomatoes movie trailers. The new york times bosley crowther wrote that an unusual company made up largely of actual miners and their families plays the drama exceedingly well. Paul jarrico with sonja dahl biberman and adolfo barela. Salt of the earth is a 1954 american drama film written by michael wilson, directed by herbert j.
Based on an actual strike against the empire zinc mine in new mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against mexicanamerican workers. Gianvito contrasts the film with another film from 1954 on the waterfront which was directed by elia kazan, who testified at the communist. The drama film is one of the first pictures to advance the feminist social and political point of view. Discover what genre salt of the earth, 1954, directed by herbert j. Watch salt of the earth 1954 full movie free online. Salt of the earth 1954 cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. One of the most daring social problem films, salt of the earth is based on a real life labor strike, using the miners as actors. All had been blacklisted by the hollywood establishment. One of the most daring social problem films, salt of the earth is based on a reallife labor strike, using the miners as actors. Watch classic movie salt of the earth is a 1954 american drama film written by michael wilson, directed by herbert j. In later years, producer jarrico would tell interviewers that salt of the earth was the only american film to get an official release in china between 1950 and 1979.
Though it cannot help but lapse into dogma and didactics at times, salt of the earth is a powerful, persuasive labormanagement drama. Salt of the earth, a powerful film shot on a threadbare budget, mostly with local nonactors, was branded as communist propaganda during the infamous mccarthy red scare and was hardly shown in the usa when first released. Set in a new mexico mining town, the film concerns the measures taken by the largely hispanic union to improve working and especially living. Read the full synopsis of salt of the earth, 1954, directed by herbert j. All had been blacklisted by the hollywood establishment due to their alleged involvement in communist politics. With the exception of five actors including future waltons.