Matewan
August 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...More
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 and crew
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John Sayles
Director
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
Hickey
Gordon Clapp
Griggs
Bob Gunton
C.E. Lively
Jace Alexander
Hilllard Elkins
Joe Grifasi
Fausto
Nancy Mette
Bridey Mae Tolliver
JH
Jo Henderson
Mrs. Elkins
Josh Mostel
Mayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleery
Ludie
Maggie Renzi
Rosaria
Tom Wright
Tom
MBP
Michael B. Preston
Ellix (as Michael Preston)
TAC
Thomas A. Carlin
Turley
JC
Jenni Cline
Luann
Michael Mantell
Doolin
JKL
J.K. Kent Lilly
Pappy's Voice (voice)
IW
Ida Williams
Mrs. Knightes
JK
James Kizer
Tolbert
RS
Ronnie Stapleton
Stennis
Davide Ferrario
Gianni
FPJ
Frank Payne Jr.
Old Miner
John Sayles
Hardshell Preacher
HD
Hazel Dickens
Singer
CH
Charles Haywood
Sheb
NC
Neale Clark
Isaac
MS
Mitch Scott
Mister
HP
Hazel Pearl
Missus
MF
Michael Frasher
Lee Felts
Frank Hoyt Taylor
Al Felts
FD
Fred Decker
James
BM
Bill Morris
Bass
DL
Delmas Lawhorn
Conductor
WD
William Dean
Broker
PMM
P. Michael Munsey
Broker
THP
Thomas Hal Phillips
Boxcar Guard
SCH
Stephen C. Hall
Redneck Miner
PF
Percy Fruit
Black Miner
TP
Thomas Poore
Injured Black Miner
TW
Tara Williams
Miner's Wife
GM
Gerald Milnes
Fiddler
Mason Daring
Picker
JC
Jim Costa
Mandolin Player
PW
Phil Wiggins
Harmonica Player