Harlan County U.S.A. (1977): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: Harlan County U.S.A.
Director: Barbara Kopple
Genre: Documentary
Released: 1977
Duration: 105 min
Cast: Norman Yarborough, Houston Elmore, Phil Sparks, Bessie Lou Cornett Parker, Sudie Crusenberry

What Harlan County U.S.A. Is About

This film documents the coal miners' strike against the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June, 1973. Eastover's refusal to sign a contract (when the miners joined with the United Mine Workers of America) led to the strike, which lasted more than a year and included violent battles between gun-toting company thugs/scabs and the picketing miners and their supportive women-folk. Director Barbara Kopple puts the strike into perspective by giving us some background on the historical plight of the miners and some history of the UMWA. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with New York Women in Film & Television in 2004.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harlan County U.S.A. about?

This film documents the coal miners' strike against the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June, 1973. Eastover's refusal to sign a contract (when the miners joined with the United Mine Workers of America) led to the strike, which lasted more than a year and included violent battles between gun-toting company thugs/scabs and the picketing miners and their supportive women-folk.

Where can I watch Harlan County U.S.A.?

Harlan County U.S.A. is available to watch on digital platforms such as HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Fandango At Home. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Harlan County U.S.A.?

Harlan County U.S.A. runs for 105 minutes (1h 45m).

When did Harlan County U.S.A. come out?

Harlan County U.S.A. was released in 1977.

Who directed Harlan County U.S.A.?

Harlan County U.S.A. was directed by Barbara Kopple.

Who stars in Harlan County U.S.A.?

Harlan County U.S.A. stars Norman Yarborough, Houston Elmore, Phil Sparks, Bessie Lou Cornett Parker.

What is Harlan County U.S.A.'s rating?

Harlan County U.S.A. holds 8.2/10 on IMDb and 7.5/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 83 out of 100.