Matewan
It takes more than guns to kill a man.
7.4(137) 1987-08-28 132 minDramaHistory
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.
DirectorJohn Sayles
WriterJohn Sayles
ProducerPeggy Rajski
Original Music ComposerMason Daring
ProducerMaggie Renzi
Cast & characters
Chris Cooper
as Joe Kenehan
James Earl Jones
as 'Few Clothes' Johnson
Mary McDonnell
as Elma Radnor
Will Oldham
as Danny Radnor
David Strathairn
as Police Chief Sid Hatfield
Ken Jenkins
as Sephus Purcell
Kevin Tighe
as Bill Hickey
Gordon Clapp
as Tom Griggs
Bob Gunton
as C.E. Lively
Jace Alexander
as Hilllard Elkins
Joe Grifasi
as Fausto
Nancy Mette
as Bridey Mae Tolliver
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Jo Henderson
as Mrs. Elkins
Josh Mostel
as Mayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleery
as Ludie
Maggie Renzi
as Rosaria
Tom Wright
as Tom
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Michael B. Preston
as Ellix (as Michael Preston)
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Thomas A. Carlin
as Turley
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Jenni Cline
as Luann
Michael Mantell
as Doolin
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J.K. Kent Lilly
as Pappy's Voice (voice)
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James Kizer
as Tolbert
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Ronnie Stapleton
as Stennis
