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.
Released: Aug 28, 1987
Runtime: 132 minutes
Stars: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins
Crew: John Sayles (Director), Barbara Shapiro (Casting), Peggy Rajski (Production Manager), Leigh Johnson (Assistant Set Decoration), Sarah Green (Assistant Production Manager), Jerry Silva (Executive Producer)