Matewan
Rated PG-13
132 minutes
1987
Filmed in the coal country of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper), a scab named "Few Clothes" Johnson (James Earl Jones) 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.
- Synopsis courtesy of Tribune Media Service
Film Credits
Director: John Sayles
Writer: John Sayles
Producer: Mark Balsam, Amir Malin, Jerry Silva, Peggy Rajski and Maggie Renzi
Cast: Chris Cooper, Will Oldham, James Jones, Mary McDonnell, Bob Gunton, Kevin Tighe, Gordon Clapp, Josh Mostel, Joe Grifasi, Maggie Renzi and David Strathairn
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