Movie
Matewan
Released: August 28, 1987 (1987)
Runtime: 132 minutes
Genres: 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.
Main Cast (Top 10 billed, oldest first)
- James Earl Jones as 'Few Clothes' Johnson
Age at release: 56
- Ken Jenkins as Sephus Purcell
Age at release: 47
- Kevin Tighe as Bill Hickey
Age at release: 43
- Joe Grifasi as Fausto
Age at release: 43
- Bob Gunton as C.E. Lively
Age at release: 41
- David Strathairn as Police Chief Sid Hatfield
Age at release: 38
- Gordon Clapp as Tom Griggs
Age at release: 38
- Chris Cooper as Joe Kenehan
Age at release: 36
- Mary McDonnell as Elma Radnor
Age at release: 35
- Will Oldham as Danny Radnor
Age at release: 17
Show more cast
- Thomas A. Carlin as Turley
Age at release: 66
- Jo Henderson as Mrs. Elkins
Age at release: 53
- Josh Mostel as Mayor Cabell Testerman
Age at release: 40
- Michael Mantell as Doolin
Age at release: 36
- Tom Wright as Tom
Age at release: 34
- Nancy Mette as Bridey Mae Tolliver
Age at release: Unknown
- Gary McCleery as Ludie
Age at release: Unknown
- Michael B. Preston as Ellix (as Michael Preston)
Age at release: Unknown
- Jenni Cline as Luann
Age at release: Unknown
- J.K. Kent Lilly as Pappy's Voice (voice)
Age at release: Unknown
- Ida Williams as Mrs. Knightes
Age at release: Unknown
- James Kizer as Tolbert
Age at release: Unknown
- Ronnie Stapleton as Stennis
Age at release: Unknown
- Frank Payne Jr. as Old Miner
Age at release: Unknown
- Charles Haywood as Sheb
Age at release: Unknown
- Neale Clark as Isaac
Age at release: Unknown
- Mitch Scott as Mister
Age at release: Unknown
- Hazel Pearl as Missus
Age at release: Unknown
- Michael Frasher as Lee Felts
Age at release: Unknown
- Frank Hoyt Taylor as Al Felts
Age at release: Unknown