Question 1

What is the historical context of the labor struggle depicted in Matewan?

Accepted Answer

The miners' union was broken by 1921 after President Warren G. Harding imposed martial law in West Virginia, with hundreds killed and thousands arrested. Union organizing wasn't legally protected until 1935 under Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

Question 2

Which major film festivals recognized Matewan?

Accepted Answer

Matewan was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 and the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2004.

Question 3

What was a key revelation about the Baldwin-Felts spy in the real events?

Accepted Answer

The identity of the Baldwin-Felts spy in the community was not revealed until the trial that followed the battle.

Question 4

Who made their feature film debut in Matewan?

Accepted Answer

Chris Cooper made his debut feature film appearance in Matewan, playing the character Joe Kenehan.

Question 5

What role does the film play in educational settings according to John Sayles?

Accepted Answer

According to John Sayles' official website, Matewan has become a staple in the teaching of U.S. Labor History.

Question 6

Why has 'Matewan' become significant in educational contexts?

Accepted Answer

According to John Sayles' official website, the film 'has become a staple in the teaching of U.S. Labor History.'

Question 7

What historical context explains the miners' struggle in 'Matewan'?

Accepted Answer

The miners' union was broken by 1921 after President Harding put West Virginia under martial law, sending the army to defend companies against employees, with hundreds killed and thousands arrested.

Question 8

Which major film festivals featured 'Matewan'?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 and the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2004.

Question 9

What was the real-life mystery surrounding a key character in the film?

Accepted Answer

In reality, the identity of the Baldwin-Felts spy in the community (who was indeed the character identified in the film) was not revealed until the trial which followed the battle.

Question 10

What does the nickname 'Wobblies' refer to in the context of 'Matewan'?

Accepted Answer

The nickname 'Wobblies' refers to The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union, an industrial global union established in 1905.

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Matewan

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