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Poster for Matewan

Movie

Matewan

It takes more than guns to kill a man.

1987 · PG-13 · 2h 12m

Directed by John Sayles

7.4

TMDB audience score
147 votes, out of 10

Trailer Where to watch

Synopsis

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.

Where to watch

Official options in the United States:

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All options on TMDB

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Trailer

Play trailer: Matewan (1987) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

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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)