August 28, 1987
132 minutes
DramaHistory
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.
Trailer
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))
Ida Williams
(Mrs. Knightes)
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)
