Directed by: Ben Zickafoose and Dan Mohn
1971
Running Time: 14:00
B/W
In 1970, W.A. (Tony) Boyle was president of the United Mine Workers of America, under indictment for misuse of union funds, and suspected of the murder of Jock Yablonski (the most outspoken advocate for reform of the union) and his family. UMWA 1970: A House Divided intercuts a speech given by Boyle at a miners’ rally in Big Stone Gap, Virginia with scenes at a mine and interviews with working and disabled miners. The film contrasts Boyle’s statements with those of the reform movement then growing among the union rank and file. Recommended for classes in U.S. and labor history.
Reviews
"A first-rate film that captures the real spirit of rank and file coal miners fighting to clean up their union. It’s the kind of film that only people who lived with that struggle day in and day out could have made." -Don Stillman, United Auto Workers
"Presents the side of the Appalachian mine workers who feel the UMW hasn’t done much for them, and that no one but themselves can." -The Minnesota Daily
Screenings & Festivals
Museum of Modern Art
Walker Art Center
