
Matewan
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.
Release Date: 1987-08-28
Drama
History
★★★★★★★★★★ (117 votes)
Casts

Chris Cooper
as Joe Kenehan

James Earl Jones
as 'Few Clothes' Johnson

Mary McDonnell
as Elma Radnor

Will Oldham
as Danny Radnor

David Strathairn
as Police Chief Sid Hatfield

Ken Jenkins
as Sephus Purcell

Kevin Tighe
as Bill Hickey

Gordon Clapp
as Tom Griggs

Bob Gunton
as C.E. Lively

Jace Alexander
as Hilllard Elkins