Salt of the Earth

Overview

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.

Directed by Herbert J. Biberman

Top cast

Rosaura Revueltas

Esperanza Quintero

Juan Chacón

Ramon Quintero

Will Geer

Sheriff

David Bauer

Barton

M

Mervin Williams

Hartwell

D

David Sarvis

Alexander

C

Clinton Jencks

Frank Barnes

V

Virginia Jencks

Ruth Barnes

H

Henrietta Williams

Teresa Vidal

E

Ernesto Velázquez

Charley Vidal

Á

Ángela Sánchez

Consuelo Ruiz

J

Joe T. Morales

Sal Ruiz

C

Clorinda Alderette

Luz Morales

C

Charles Coleman

Antonio Morales

V

Víctor Torres

Sebasatian Prieto

E

E.A. Rockwell

Vance

W

William Rockwell

Kimbrough

F

Floyd Bostick

Jenkins

Details