Drama History
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.
Directed by
John Sayles
Written by
John Sayles
Mary McDonnell
Elma Radnor
James Earl Jones
'Few Clothes' Johnson
David Strathairn
Police Chief Sid Hatfield
Bob Gunton
C.E. Lively
Chris Cooper
Joe Kenehan
Kevin Tighe
Bill Hickey
Bill McKinney
Ken Jenkins
Sephus Purcell
Tom Wright
Tom
Gordon Clapp
Tom Griggs
Joe Grifasi
Fausto
Lorna Scott
Mitch Scott
Mister
Josh Mostel
Mayor Cabell Testerman
Nancy Mette
Bridey Mae Tolliver
Michael Mantell
Doolin
Will Oldham
Danny Radnor
Frank Hoyt Taylor
Al Felts
Christopher Weir
Gary McCleery
Ludie
Jo Henderson
Mrs. Elkins
Michael B. Preston
Ellix (as Michael Preston)
Thomas A. Carlin
Turley
Jenni Cline
Luann
J.K. Kent Lilly
Pappy's Voice (voice)
Ida Williams
Mrs. Knightes
James Kizer
Tolbert
Ronnie Stapleton
Stennis
Frank Payne Jr.
Old Miner
Charles Haywood
Sheb
Neale Clark
Isaac
Hazel Pearl
Missus
Michael Frasher
Lee Felts
Fred Decker
James
Bill Morris
Bass
Delmas Lawhorn
Conductor
William Dean
Broker
P. Michael Munsey
Broker
Stephen C. Hall
Redneck Miner
Percy Fruit
Black Miner
Thomas Poore
Injured Black Miner
Tara Williams
Miner's Wife
Gerald Milnes
Fiddler
Jim Costa
Mandolin Player
Phil Wiggins
Harmonica Player
Nelle Stokes
Gary Rosenblatt

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