Harlan County U.S.A. (1977): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1977, Harlan County U.S.A. is a documentary film directed by Barbara Kopple, running about 103 minutes. “Which Side Are You On?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This film documents the coal miners' strike against the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June, 1973. Eastovers 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.

Who’s in it. Harlan County U.S.A. stars Norman Yarborough as Himself - Eastover Mining President, Houston Elmore as Himself - UMW organizer, Phil Sparks as Himself - UMW staff and Bessie Lou Cornett as Herself, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.7/10, Harlan County U.S.A. has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel and HBO Max and rent or buy it from Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Harlan County U.S.A. page.

If you liked it. Fans of Harlan County U.S.A. tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.