Directed by Herbert Biberman

The only blacklisted film in US history, it was written, directed and produced by blacklisted Hollywood progressives. It’s a film based on the true events of the Empire Zinc Company strike of 1951, when Mexican-American zinc miners union of New Mexico’s Zinctown set out on strike for safer and fairer working conditions, conditions comparable to that of their Anglo-American co-workers. After much support from activists, the film was added to Library of Congress’s National Film Registry in 1992 due to its cultural and historical significance in depicting the events of the strike.

It’s a story of racial and economic discrimination, it’s a story of a women’s social movement. When the workers are prevented from picketing due to a court order, their wives hatch a plan to step in to picket in their place. It’s hard to believe that this inspiring film was made 63 years ago. So relevant even today.

Many of the actors were actual miners and their families, bringing additional sincerity to the film. Definitely a film worth seeing.

“The union is our leader, we shall not be moved!”