SALT OF THE EARTH (1954) - ♦♦♦

Directed by - Herbert J. Biberman

 

Written by - Michael Wilson

 

Starring - Juan Chacón, Rosaura Revueltas, Will Geer

 

 

"Mexican zinc miners fed up with their life threatening conditions revolt. There is a lot to admire in Biberman’s film, from its admirable photography to the simplicity of the story that makes some ‘different’ idealisms seem understandable. Most of all, Salt of the Earth comes across as audacious. Taking on such socialist viewpoints was always going to seem controversial to an American capitalist conservative society out for Communists and blacklisting. In fact, this film became the only American film to get blacklisted. However, The Salt of the Earth seems built around a philosophical context and its structure is dull. All in all, its historical relevance lies in its intention, but the film itself hasn’t aged well and doesn’t challenge the modern viewer in the way that it probably should have."

 

 

Drama, USA