55m; U.S.
Synopsis: The story of the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, the largest armed labor conflict in American history. TV star Mike Connors narrates this classic story about the long and bloody history of coal in Appalachia.
Contact: Debbie Oleksa West Virginia; Public Broadcasting, Morgantown, 1- 888-596-9729.
27m; U.S.
Synopsis: Dr. Claude Frazier, M.D., is author of “Miners and Medicine: West Virginia Memories,” a personal account of growing up the son of a coal camp doctor and nurse. Frazier describes firsthand the horrific health problems in the coal camps, the resourcefulness of the doctors and nurses, and the struggle to raise health standards in and around the mines. Frazier recalls life in coal camps in Montgomery, Ansted, and Welch, WV. He describes the “ties that bind” in small WV communities. He also describes the responsibilities the coal camp doctor took on and the admiration the miners had for the company doctor.
Contact: WSWP-TV; WVLC
Australia
Director: Fabio Cavadini & Mandy King
Synopsis: globalization; villagers battle for self-determination against copper company & government
48m; U.S.
Director: IAMAW
Synopsis: America’s workers epic response to the attacks of September 11th
90m; U.S.
Synopsis: The history of America’s favorite pastime as it was played by the men who dug America’s coal in the 1930’s and 40’s. Practically every coal town in WV. had a baseball team and Sunday was spent at the ball diamond every Sunday. Some of the finest athletes that played professional ball starred as players in the coal leagues. Many other fine WV. athletes received offers to play professional ball, but decided to stay in the coal fields for a variety of reasons. Listen to some of the reasons and some fascinating memories of the games and times. A look back through extensive use of photographs from the turn of the century through the beginning of WW II.
28m; U.S.
Director: Andrea Bloom
Synopsis (IMDB): A driver, train rider, and cyclist each ride 90 minutes or more to get to work in Washington, DC. “Extreme Commuting” follows the daily paths of these three professionals as they negotiate their way through one of the most congested cities in the nation. Jon lives in rural Virginia and drives on busy highways into the heart of DC, a trip that often takes him two hours or more and necessitates that he do much of his work on the road. Lori rides a bus and commuter train with her friends, who provide a much needed levity during the long trip. Mark bicycles across DC, often logging extra miles to spend time with his girlfriend, who cycles to work in a different part of the city. In accompanying each of these people on their daily rides, we learn the impact extreme commuting has on their quality of life and why so many choose to make the journey.
58m; U.S.
Director: Amie Williams
Synopsis: 2002 ILWU lockout
Contact: http://www.balmaidenfilms.com/who.html
21m; U.S.
Cast: Casey Peek and Jeremy Blasi
Synopsis: Millions of young working people know all too well: no matter how hard you work and how well you do in school, it can be difficult to stay afloat when you’re coming of age in a “McJob” economy.
35m; U.S.
Director: Mat Hames and George Sledge
Cast: Narration by Robert Redford
Synopsis: About a group of politicians and citizens of Texas who worked together to prevent TXU from building 19 coal-fired electricity plants in their state.
Contact: http://www.fightinggoliathfilm.com/
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