Matewan

Matewan (1987)

It takes more than guns to kill a man.

Drama 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.

star 7.3 7.9 73 94%
  • Release Date: 1987-08-28
  • Runtime: 2h 12min
  • Director: John Sayles

Where to Watch Matewan Online

Matewan is not available for streaming at this moment.

Trailer

Cast

  • 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

    Bill Hickey

  • Gordon Clapp

    Tom Griggs

  • Bob Gunton

    C.E. Lively

  • Jace Alexander

    Hilllard Elkins

  • Joe Grifasi

    Fausto

  • Nancy Mette

    Bridey Mae Tolliver

  • Jo Henderson

    Mrs. Elkins

  • Josh Mostel

    Mayor Cabell Testerman

  • Gary McCleery

    Ludie

  • Maggie Renzi

    Rosaria

  • Tom Wright

    Tom

  • Michael B. Preston

    Ellix (as Michael Preston)

  • Thomas A. Carlin

    Turley

  • Jenni Cline

    Luann

  • Michael Mantell

    Doolin

  • J.K. Kent Lilly

    Pappy's Voice (voice)

  • Ida Williams

    Mrs. Knightes

  • James Kizer

    Tolbert

  • Ronnie Stapleton

    Stennis

  • Davide Ferrario

    Gianni

  • Frank Payne Jr.

    Old Miner

  • John Sayles

    Hardshell Preacher

  • Hazel Dickens

    Singer

  • Charles Haywood

    Sheb

  • Neale Clark

    Isaac

  • Mitch Scott

    Mister

  • Hazel Pearl

    Missus

  • Michael Frasher

    Lee Felts

  • Frank Hoyt Taylor

    Al Felts

  • Fred Decker

    James

  • Bill Morris

    Bass

  • Delmas Lawhorn

    Conductor

  • William Dean

    Broker

  • P. Michael Munsey

    Broker

  • Thomas Hal Phillips

    Boxcar Guard

  • Stephen C. Hall

    Redneck Miner

  • Percy Fruit

    Black Miner

  • Thomas Poore

    Injured Black Miner

  • Tara Williams

    Miner's Wife

  • Gerald Milnes

    Fiddler

  • Mason Daring

    Picker

  • Jim Costa

    Mandolin Player

  • Phil Wiggins

    Harmonica Player

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