SALT OF THE EARTH

This 1954 film, made in New Mexico by blacklisted Hollywood people and members of a progressive union, was denied distribution during the McCarthy era. The film documents an actual strike and is narrated by a Mexican-American woman who grows in consciousness and effectiveness through her participation in the community struggle. With the publication of this book, the Feminist Press reprints Wilson''s screenplay and introduces an original work by Deborah Silverton Rosenfelt: an analysis of the background, history, and significance of both the strike and the film. Based partly on recent interviews, Rosenfelt''s work includes a discussion of the change in status of the women who took part in this strike for better conditions.