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7.4Filmed 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.
Released: 1987-08-28132 minDir: John SaylesDrama, HistoryBudget: $4.0MBox office: $1.7M
▶ Watch trailerStream on: MGM Plus Amazon Channel
Cast
- 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
Themes
- traitor
- based on true story
- west virginia
- gun battle
- racism
- preacher
- double cross
- labor organizer
- labor union
- coal mining
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