Filmed in the coal nation of West Virginia, "Matewan" celebrates labor organizing in the context of a 1920s work stoppage. Union organizer, Joe Kenehan, a scab named "Couple of Clothes" Johnson as well as an understanding mayor and also cops principal heroically battle the power represented by a coal firm as well as Matewan's vested interests to ensure that justice and employees' civil liberties need not take a rear seats to repulsive working problems, exploitation and the bottom line.