The story
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.
Watch trailerCast & crew
Chris CooperJoe Kenehan
James Earl Jones'Few Clothes' Johnson
Mary McDonnellElma Radnor
Will OldhamDanny Radnor
David StrathairnPolice Chief Sid Hatfield
Ken JenkinsSephus Purcell
Kevin TigheBill Hickey
Gordon ClappTom Griggs
Bob GuntonC.E. Lively
Jace AlexanderHilllard Elkins
Joe GrifasiFausto
Nancy MetteBridey Mae TolliverExplore the crew
- Director
- John Sayles
- Writer
- John Sayles
- Director of Photography
- Haskell Wexler
- Editor
- Sonya Polonsky
- Producer
- Peggy Rajski
- Original Music Composer
- Mason Daring
- Producer
- Maggie Renzi