Assignment Four - Ferment in the Fields

KRON-TV Assignment Four documentary film from 1965, narrated by Art Brown, which looks at working conditions of California field laborers and considers how the growers hiring of seasonal Braceros ("strong arm") workers from Mexico is affecting their standard of living. Includes scenes which feature: views of a Latino family living in a free room house outside of Stockton; a visit by U.S. Secretary of Labor Willard Wirtz (1912-2010), who reviews the situation in the Central Valley; an interview with former Mayor of Hollister Frank Valenzuela; an interview with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee's Director Al Green; interviews with growers (in the fields); views of Braceros and field workers laboring in the fields; views of downtown Gilroy and views of a family living on the banks of a river bed, outside of Stockton. This film was written and produced by Bob Anderson, directed by Al Scollay and edited by Luise Spier. Camerawork is by John Hines and Charles Stanyon. It should be noted that the Braceros program between the U.S. and Mexico ended in 1967. Opens with a brief introduction by KRON-TV's Vice President and GM Harold P. See, who explains: "We felt the historical and educational value of these films should not be lost to those individuals or groups whose daily schedule did not permit them to witness the original broadcast."