This film is important both historically and artistically. It's very creation was an act of defiance and heroism. Upon its release it was officially banned by an act of congress in the United States - because of it working class sympathies and "communist" overtones. The film is a sensitive portrayal of a strike among Chicano workers in the Southwest and features a beautifully modulated performance by the great Mexican actress, Rosaura Revueltes. The gender politics of the film are remarkable for a work from 1954 as is the very direct socialist ideology. This film is a landmark in political filmmaking effortlessly tying together working class, feminist, environmental and Latino concerns into a brilliant call for radical social change.
Review of Salt of the Earth
