Matewan

7.36

132 minutes

8/28/1987

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.

Cast List

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
Joe Grifasi
as Fausto
Nancy Mette
as Bridey Mae Tolliver
Jo Henderson
as Mrs. Elkins
Josh Mostel
as Mayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleery
as Ludie
Maggie Renzi
as Rosaria
Tom Wright
as Tom
Michael B. Preston
as Ellix (as Michael Preston)
Thomas A. Carlin
as Turley
Jenni Cline
as Luann
Michael Mantell
as Doolin
J.K. Kent Lilly
as Pappy's Voice (voice)
Ida Williams
as Mrs. Knightes
James Kizer
as Tolbert
Ronnie Stapleton
as Stennis
Davide Ferrario
as Gianni
Frank Payne Jr.
as Old Miner
John Sayles
as Hardshell Preacher
Hazel Dickens
as Singer
Charles Haywood
as Sheb
Neale Clark
as Isaac
Mitch Scott
as Mister
Hazel Pearl
as Missus
Michael Frasher
as Lee Felts
Frank Hoyt Taylor
as Al Felts
Fred Decker
as James
Bill Morris
as Bass
Delmas Lawhorn
as Conductor
William Dean
as Broker
P. Michael Munsey
as Broker
Thomas Hal Phillips
as Boxcar Guard
Stephen C. Hall
as Redneck Miner
Percy Fruit
as Black Miner
Thomas Poore
as Injured Black Miner
Tara Williams
as Miner's Wife
Gerald Milnes
as Fiddler
Mason Daring
as Picker
Jim Costa
as Mandolin Player
Phil Wiggins
as Harmonica Player