Schindler's List
1993 · Drama · History
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Film / 1987
Matewan
Directed by
John Sayles
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.
The story
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
Chris CooperJoe Kenehan
James Earl Jones'Few Clothes' Johnson
Mary McDonnellElma Radnor
Will OldhamDanny Radnor
David StrathairnPolice Chief Sid Hatfield
Ken JenkinsSephus Purcell
Kevin TigheBill Hickey
Gordon ClappTom Griggs
Bob GuntonC.E. Lively
Jace AlexanderHilllard Elkins
Joe GrifasiFausto
Nancy MetteBridey Mae Tolliver
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Jo HendersonMrs. Elkins
Josh MostelMayor Cabell Testerman
Gary McCleeryLudie
Maggie RenziRosaria
Tom WrightTom
Michael B. PrestonEllix (as Michael Preston)
Thomas A. CarlinTurley
Jenni ClineLuann
Michael MantellDoolin
J.K. Kent LillyPappy's Voice (voice)
James KizerTolbert
Ronnie StapletonStennis
Davide FerrarioGianni
Frank Payne Jr.Old Miner
John SaylesHardshell Preacher
Hazel DickensSinger
Charles HaywoodSheb
Neale ClarkIsaac
Hazel PearlMissus
Michael FrasherLee Felts
Frank Hoyt TaylorAl Felts
Fred DeckerJames
Bill MorrisBass
Delmas LawhornConductor
William DeanBroker
P. Michael MunseyBroker
Thomas Hal PhillipsBoxcar Guard
Stephen C. HallRedneck Miner
Percy FruitBlack Miner
Thomas PooreInjured Black Miner
Tara WilliamsMiner's Wife
Gerald MilnesFiddler
Mason DaringPicker
Jim CostaMandolin Player
Phil WigginsHarmonica Player
Ida WilliamsMrs. Knightes
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