Matewan

Matewan (1987)

It takes more than guns to kill a man.

Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan, a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson and a sympathetic mayor and police chief heroically fight the power represented by a coal company and Matewan's vested interests so that justice and workers' rights need not take a back seat to squalid working conditions, exploitation and the bottom line.

Date of release
1987-08-28
TMDB
7.4 / 10 (146)
Runtime
2h 12m
Genres
Drama, History
Director
John Sayles

Casting

  • Chris Cooper — Joe Kenehan
  • James Earl Jones — 'Few Clothes' Johnson
  • Mary McDonnell — Elma Radnor
  • Will Oldham — Danny Radnor
  • David Strathairn — Police Chief Sid Hatfield
  • Ken Jenkins — Sephus Purcell
  • Kevin Tighe — Bill Hickey
  • Gordon Clapp — Tom Griggs
  • Bob Gunton — C.E. Lively
  • Jace Alexander — Hilllard Elkins
  • Joe Grifasi — Fausto
  • Nancy Mette — Bridey Mae Tolliver

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