Salt of the Earth

by Michael Wilson, Deborah Rosenfelt (Editor)

This screenplay of the controversial 1954 "film of persuasion" about a strike in a New Mexico zinc mine is extraordinary in its effort to deal with the struggles of workers and women, as they strive for dignity and equality. The film was the unique product of a collaboration between the mining families and blacklisted Hollywood people. The film's narrator and protagonist is a Mexican-American woman who grows in consciousness and effectiveness through her participation in the community struggle. Rosenfelt’s analysis of the background, history, and significance of both the strike and the film includes a discussion of the change in status of the women who took part in this strike.

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1977

Reviews

[Chris Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quickly, I enjoyed learning about this period in history. I learned about the blacklist in history class. The stories about individuals that lived through this and its' affects are what drives me to learn more. This book did not disappoint.
I would give it a 4.5 stars if I could.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The script sucked me in and I couldn't put it down even with the annoying camera notes. I like how the women stand up for themselves in the movie and how the movie critiques so much of what is wrong with capitalism especially when it comes to gender and ethnicity. Sadly I liked reading the script more and imagining it then watching the movie. I think this is due to the fact that most of the cast were not professional actors, but people from the town where the movie is based upon.

[Dictionaryhound · Rating 5 out of 5]

'This screenplay of the controversial 1954 "film of persuasion" about a strike in a New Mexico zinc mine ...The film was a unique collaboration between mining families and Blacklisted Holiwood people'