Salt of the Earth (1954): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Salt of the Earth is a 1954 historical drama directed by Herbert J. Biberman, starring David Sarvis, Will Geer and Rosaura Revueltas. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes. Critics gave it 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- Herbert J. Biberman
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Independent Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Salt of the Earth About?
The premise of Salt of the Earth without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In New Mexico’s Empire Zinc mine, Mexican-American workers face dangerous conditions and unequal pay, leading to a fight for justice. Ramon Quintero emerges as a leader in the strike, but his own life presents a complex contradiction. The conflict challenges societal norms as women join the picket lines and men unexpectedly remain at home, prompting a re-examination of traditional gender roles and the pursuit of fairness for all.
Salt of the Earth Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- labor relations
- national film registry
- zinc mine
- new mexico
- labor strike
- labor movement
- solidarity
- mining accident
- jail
- mining
- mexican american
- working conditions
+38 more Show fewer
- women's rights
- union meeting
- political activism
- international union of mine mill and smelter workers
- eviction
- feminism
- labor union
- independent film
- based on true story
- breast feeding
- narration
- marriage
- women's auxiliary
- sanitation
- safety
- dignity
- political drama
- title based on the bible
- cult film
- labor
- social commentary
- banned film
- washing
- warrant
- voting
- village
- union organizer
- tear gas
- taft hartley act
- smelter
- singing
- sheriff
- running water
- role reversal
- riot
- rifle
- resisting arrest
- rescue
Salt of the Earth Cast
David Sarvis leads the cast, with Will Geer and Rosaura Revueltas. Directed by Herbert J. Biberman; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Herbert J. Biberman
Also Starring in Salt of the Earth
· 6 moreMore from Herbert J. Biberman
More films directed by Herbert J. Biberman: Slaves, The Master Race and Meet Nero Wolfe.
Salt of the Earth Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Salt of the Earth 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
-
IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 74 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB
Salt of the Earth Plot Summary
What happens in Salt of the Earth from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Esperanza Quintero narrates this inspiring story, which is inspired by real events, capturing the struggles and resilience of a community fighting for justice. When she became pregnant with her third child, her life was fraught with hardship and turmoil. Her husband, David Sarvis, named Ramon, was caught in the middle of a turbulent period marked by tensions at the zinc mine where he worked. The union, which Ramon was involved in, was contemplating a strike to demand better wages and safer working conditions for the miners. Among the union’s demands was improved sanitation in their homes—including indoor plumbing and hot water—which was a significant issue for the workers and their families but was eventually dropped from their list of priorities, much to Esperanza’s dismay.
Full summary
The whole story of Salt of the Earth, scene by scene
Salt of the Earth Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.
- Trailer Salt of the Earth - Pseudo Trailer
- Clip Salt of the Earth (movie) video clip
How Well Do You Know Salt of the Earth?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main female protagonist who leads the women’s picket line?
Cars in Salt of the Earth
19 cars on screen, including the 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan and the 1951 Chrysler Windsor De Luxe.
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1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan Important role -
1951 Chrysler Windsor De Luxe Important role -
1950 Nash Airflyte Important role -
1949 Studebaker R-Series Important role
Salt of the Earth Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Jordens salt” and “Le Sel de la Terre”.
- Also known as
-
- Jordens salt
- Le Sel de la Terre
- Sfida a Silver City
- La sal de la tierra
- 社会中坚
- 대지의 소금
- O Sal da Terra
- Соль земли
- Das Salz der Erde
- La sal de la terra
Seen Salt of the Earth?
Movies Like Salt of the Earth
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including El milagro de sal, Roots of Blood and North Country.
Salt of the Earth FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Salt of the Earth, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Salt of the Earth?
Salt of the Earth runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Salt of the Earth released?
Salt of the Earth was released on March 14, 1954.
Who directed Salt of the Earth?
Salt of the Earth was directed by Herbert J. Biberman.
More films by Herbert J. Biberman Who is in the cast of Salt of the Earth?
Salt of the Earth stars David Sarvis, Will Geer and Rosaura Revueltas, among 10 credited actors.
How is Salt of the Earth rated?
Salt of the Earth has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 74 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.
Does Salt of the Earth have a post-credit scene?
No. Salt of the Earth has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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