Plot
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.
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
Crew
John Sayles
Director
John Sayles
Writer
Haskell Wexler
Director of Photography
Mason Daring
Original Music Composer
Peggy Rajski
Producer
Maggie Renzi
Producer
Related films
7.2Pale Rider
1985
Film details
7.5Glory
1989
Film details
6.8Free State of Jones
2016
Film details
6.5Son of the South
2021
Film details
7.1Lawless
2012
Film details
7.2The Patriot
2000
Film details
7.1The Burial
2023
Film details
7.3Old Henry
2021
Film details
7.2The Devil All the Time
2020
Film details
6.3Live by Night
2016
Film details
6.5By Any Means
2026
Film details
7.6The Woman King
2022
Film details
7.4Miller's Crossing
1990
Film details
6.5Black Mass
2015
Film details
7.7Emancipation
2022
Film details