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.
Matewan
“It takes more than guns to kill a man.”
Overview
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.
Director
John Sayles
Budget
4.0M
Revenue
1.7M
Status
Released
Production
Cinecom Entertainment Group, Film Gallery, Goldcrest, Red Dog Films, Winwood Productions
Cast
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
Jo Henderson
Mrs. Elkins
Josh Mostel
Mayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleery
Ludie
Maggie Renzi
Rosaria
Tom Wright
Tom
Michael B. Preston
Ellix (as Michael Preston)
Thomas A. Carlin
Turley
Jenni Cline
Luann
Michael Mantell
Doolin
J.K. Kent Lilly
Pappy's Voice (voice)
James Kizer
Tolbert
Ronnie Stapleton
Stennis
Davide Ferrario
Gianni
Frank Payne Jr.
Old Miner
John Sayles
Hardshell Preacher
Hazel Dickens
Singer
Charles Haywood
Sheb
Neale Clark
Isaac
Mitch Scott
Mister
Hazel Pearl
Missus
Michael Frasher
Lee Felts
Frank Hoyt Taylor
Al Felts
Fred Decker
James
Bill Morris
Bass
Delmas Lawhorn
Conductor
William Dean
Broker
P. Michael Munsey
Broker
Thomas Hal Phillips
Boxcar Guard
Stephen C. Hall
Redneck Miner
Percy Fruit
Black Miner
Thomas Poore
Injured Black Miner
Tara Williams
Miner's Wife
Gerald Milnes
Fiddler
Mason Daring
Picker
Jim Costa
Mandolin Player
Phil Wiggins
Harmonica Player
Ida Williams
Mrs. Knightes
Video Gallery
![Matewan (1987) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Cjh29QNKLCc/hqdefault.jpg)
