Matewan
1987 • Drama | History
7.401 (131)
John Sayles
Director
John Sayles
Writer
Status
Released
Release date
August 28, 1987
Duration
132 Min
Language
English
Popularity
1.6662
Budget
$4,000,000
Revenue
$1,680,358
Overview
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.
