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.
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
