Review of Salt of the Earth (1954) by Mike M — 22 Sep 2009
Funded by the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, produced by blacklisted filmmakers and containing what was argued to be Communist propaganda, Salt of the Earth reflects many of the themes of similar stories such as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Jungle'.
The film is competently produced, though its inexpensiveness is often evident. The print offered by Alpha Video is not particularly impressive, featuring occasionally scratchy picture and pops in the soundtrack.
The story revolves around a young New Mexican mining couple and their struggle to obtain more favorable working conditions. Issues of worker's rights coincide with feminist ideals and race relations to form a powder keg of frustration and fear.
The film was blacklisted in the U.S. upon release. This fact, combined with the ground-breaking subject matter, makes the film interesting as a curio, though I doubt few would know of it if it had been screened and merely dismissed.
This review of Salt of the Earth (1954) was written by Mike M on 22 Sep 2009.
Salt of the Earth has generally received very positive reviews.
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