Back

Feature film — 1987

Matewan (1987)

7.42h 12mDrama — History

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 now

The note

Stay for the details.

A high-signal pick with 147 votes.

Cinecom Entertainment Group / Film Gallery / Goldcrest Films International / Red Dog Films / Winwood Productions

Community reviews

What viewers are saying

Sign in to leave a review for everyone to see. Reviews are tied to your account so the community can trust what's shared.

Loading reviews…

Director: John Sayles

On screen

Cast & crew

Chris Cooper as Joe Kenehan

Chris Cooper

Joe Kenehan

James Earl Jones as 'Few Clothes' Johnson

James Earl Jones

'Few Clothes' Johnson

Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor

Mary McDonnell

Elma Radnor

Will Oldham as Danny Radnor

Will Oldham

Danny Radnor

David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield

David Strathairn

Police Chief Sid Hatfield

Ken Jenkins as Sephus Purcell

Ken Jenkins

Sephus Purcell

Kevin Tighe as Bill Hickey

Kevin Tighe

Bill Hickey

Gordon Clapp as Tom Griggs

Gordon Clapp

Tom Griggs

Bob Gunton as C.E. Lively

Bob Gunton

C.E. Lively

Jace Alexander as Hilllard Elkins

Jace Alexander

Hilllard Elkins

Joe Grifasi as Fausto

Joe Grifasi

Fausto

Nancy Mette as Bridey Mae Tolliver

Nancy Mette

Bridey Mae Tolliver

Similar titles

More like this