Ramparts of Clay stars Leila Schenna as a Tunisian woman torn between traditionalism and modernism. The citizens in her village have long considered themselves beholden to the absentee owners of the salt mines which serve as the community's chief source of income. When the owners refuse to raise salaries, the mine workers defy tradition by going on strike. While the woman is sympathetic with the workers' plight, she is also hesitant about standing up to her so-called benefactors. Filmed in semi-documentary fashion in the Algerian village of Tehouda, Ramparts of Clay was adapted from a book by Jean Duvignaud. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
