Matewan 1987

This film delves into the lives of miners in Mingo County, West Virginia, specifically focusing on their struggles in the coal mine near the town of Matewan (pronounced MAY-TWAN). The narrative is introduced by a young boy named Danny, who reflects on a turbulent period in Matewan’s history. Central to the story is Joe Kenehan, a labor organizer known for his strong beliefs—he even labels himself a “Red.” Kenehan arrives in the town just as black and Italian replacement workers, referred to as “scabs,” are brought in to undermine the striking coal miners who are increasingly frustrated with the mining corporation’s unfair manipulation of coal prices—initially set at just 90 cents per ton.

As tensions rise, the scabs eventually stop their work and join Kenehan’s efforts to unite the miners. Workers of different ethnic backgrounds—white, black, and Italian—put aside their prejudices and band together to confront the powerful mining corporation, which has enlisted seven armed agents from the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency. Among these hired thugs is Hickey, who is particularly ruthless. He forcibly evicts destitute mining families, is implicated in bribery, and threatens both Mayor Cabell Testerman (played by Josh Mostel) and Sheriff Sid Hatfield of Matewan, thereby escalating the already volatile situation between the miners and those attempting to lead the unionization efforts.

The conflict intensifies when an agent provocateur, C. E. Lively, secretly infiltrates the miners’ ranks, inciting violence against corporate representatives. The culmination of these events leads to a horrific massacre, leaving no one untouched by the fallout.

This gripping drama is inspired by real historical events, notably known as the “Matewan Massacre” or the “Battle of Matewan.” It effectively dramatizes the sacrifices made by American laborers in their fight for unionization and the right to collective bargaining, all while delivering powerful performances and rich character development. The film was penned and directed by John Sayles, who, in a twist of fate, also makes a cameo as an anti-union evangelical preacher in the community, further adding layers to this poignant tale of struggle and resilience.