Harlan County , USA (1976)

Released January 23, 1977, in the US.

Filmed in Kentucky and New York.

The story: In June of 1973, the coal miners of Brookside Mine, owned by Duke Power Company in Harlan, Kentucky went on strike against the Eastover Mining Company.

The coal miners wanted to be released of their unethical and corrupt contract in the Southern Labor Union, of which they had no rights, no safety, and no money and be allowed to join the more organized United Mine Workers of America Union - which the coal miners wholeheartedly believed had their best interests in mind.

The strike went on for over a year and the miners, along with their families and friends were dedicated to keeping their stance until their needs were met.

Even though the strikes brought on much struggle and violence, the strikers kept their ground.

Not until the needless casualty of a coal miner, were their wishes finally and publically acknowledged, being granted the rights they believed they were always robbed of but equally entitled to.

Stars Norman Yarborough, Logan Patterson, WA Tony Boyle, Arnold Miller, Basil Collins, Joseph Yablonski, Arnold Miller, Billy G Williams, Mary Lou Fergerson, Crystal Fergerson, Tommy Fergerson, Otis King, Diane Jones, Polly Jones, Barry Spielberg, Bill Worthington, Tom Pysell , Nanny Rainey, Mickey Messer, Jim Thomas, EB Allen, Florence Reece, Phyllis Boyens Liptak, Nimrod Workman, Guy Farmer, Bernie Aronson, Mike Trbovich, Harry Patrick, Ken Yablonski, Chip Yablonski, Tom Williams, Hawley Wells Jr, John OLeary, John Corcoran, Donald Rasmussen, Phil Sparks, Houston Elmore, (voice) Barbara Kopple

Directed by Barbara Kopple

Rated PG
DOCUMENTARY/HISTORY

 

"Duke Power Company owns the Brookside Mine, but they don't own us."