Glossary

10.2 Harlan County, USA

12 min read•august 20, 2024

, USA documents the 1973 coal miners' strike in Kentucky. The film captures the dangerous working conditions, low wages, and labor struggles faced by miners and their families as they fought for better treatment from the .

's cinema verite approach immerses viewers in the tense picket lines and confrontations between and company thugs. Through powerful and intimate portraits of key figures, the film preserves an important chapter in labor history and inspired future activist filmmakers.

Background of Harlan County coal miners

  • Harlan County, located in southeastern Kentucky, has a long history of coal mining that dates back to the early 20th century
  • The in Harlan County has been characterized by dangerous working conditions, low wages for miners, and high profits for mining companies
  • Miners in Harlan County have faced numerous challenges, including unsafe mine shafts, inadequate ventilation, and the constant risk of accidents and injuries

Dangerous working conditions in mines

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  • Coal miners in Harlan County worked in extremely hazardous conditions, with frequent accidents, cave-ins, and explosions
  • Miners were exposed to toxic gases, dust, and other harmful substances that led to respiratory diseases such as
  • Inadequate safety measures and outdated equipment contributed to the high rate of injuries and fatalities in the mines
  • Miners often worked long hours in cramped, dark, and damp conditions, leading to physical and mental strain

Low wages vs high company profits

  • Despite the dangerous nature of their work, Harlan County coal miners were paid low wages compared to the profits earned by mining companies
  • Mining companies prioritized profits over the well-being of their workers, often cutting corners on safety measures and equipment maintenance to reduce costs
  • Miners struggled to support their families on meager wages, leading to poverty and financial instability in the community
  • The disparity between miners' wages and company profits fueled resentment and the desire for better working conditions and fair compensation

Long history of labor struggles

  • Harlan County has a long history of labor struggles, with miners fighting for their rights and better working conditions since the early 20th century
  • Miners formed unions, such as the (UMWA), to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and safety measures
  • Mining companies often resisted unionization efforts, leading to violent confrontations and strikes (Harlan County War of the 1930s)
  • The history of labor struggles in Harlan County set the stage for the depicted in the documentary

Barbara Kopple's involvement

  • Barbara Kopple, a young filmmaker, became interested in the Harlan County miners' strike after reading about it in a newspaper
  • Kopple recognized the importance of documenting ' struggle and decided to travel to Harlan County to film the strike

Initial interest in miners' strike

  • Kopple was drawn to the miners' strike because of her interest in social justice and labor issues
  • She believed that the miners' story needed to be told and that a documentary could help raise awareness about their struggle
  • Kopple saw the potential for a powerful and impactful film that could shed light on the challenges faced by working-class Americans

Building trust with mining community

  • Upon arriving in Harlan County, Kopple faced the challenge of gaining the trust of the mining community, who were initially suspicious of outsiders
  • She spent time with the miners and their families, listening to their stories and demonstrating her commitment to accurately portraying their experiences
  • Kopple's genuine interest and empathy helped her build relationships with key figures in the community, such as and other

Embedding with striking miners

  • To capture the full story of the strike, Kopple and her crew embedded themselves with the striking miners, living with them and documenting their daily lives
  • By immersing herself in the community, Kopple was able to gain a deep understanding of the miners' struggles and the dynamics of the strike
  • Embedding with the miners allowed Kopple to capture intimate moments and behind-the-scenes footage that would have been impossible to obtain as an outsider

Capturing the Brookside mine strike

  • The Brookside mine strike began in 1973 when miners at the Eastover Mining Company's Brookside mine in Harlan County went on strike to demand better working conditions and fair wages
  • Kopple and her crew arrived in Harlan County to document the strike, which would become the central focus of the documentary

Arrival of Eastover Mining Company

  • Eastover Mining Company, a subsidiary of Duke Power, took over the Brookside mine in the early 1970s
  • The company's arrival brought changes to the mine's operations and working conditions, which miners felt were detrimental to their safety and well-being
  • Tensions between the miners and the company began to escalate as miners demanded improvements to their working conditions and fair compensation

Miners' demands for safer conditions

  • The striking miners at Brookside demanded safer working conditions, including improved ventilation, updated equipment, and better safety protocols
  • Miners wanted the company to address the high rates of accidents and injuries in the mine and to prioritize the health and well-being of workers
  • The miners' demands for safer conditions were at the heart of the strike and reflected the long-standing issues in the Harlan County mining industry

Tense confrontations on picket line

  • As the strike progressed, tensions between the striking miners and the company escalated, leading to tense confrontations on the
  • Striking miners blocked the entrance to the mine, preventing and company officials from entering
  • The picket line became a site of conflict, with miners and their supporters facing off against company guards and law enforcement

Kopple's cinema verite approach

  • Kopple employed a cinema verite approach to documenting the Brookside mine strike, capturing events as they unfolded without staging or intervention
  • This raw, unfiltered style of filmmaking allowed Kopple to present a realistic and unvarnished portrayal of the strike and its participants
  • The cinema verite approach lent the documentary a sense of immediacy and authenticity, immersing viewers in the experiences of the striking miners

Portrayal of key figures

  • Harlan County, USA features several key figures who played significant roles in the Brookside mine strike and the broader struggle for miners' rights
  • Kopple's portrayal of these individuals highlights their resilience, determination, and the personal sacrifices they made in the fight for better working conditions

Resilience of miners' wives

  • The documentary showcases the critical role played by miners' wives in supporting the strike and maintaining solidarity within the community
  • Women like Lois Scott and Bessie Lou Cornett emerged as leaders, organizing strike support activities and rallying the community behind the miners
  • The miners' wives demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of hardship, violence, and intimidation, standing firm in their commitment to the cause

Defiance of Lois Scott

  • Lois Scott, one of the most prominent figures in the documentary, epitomized the defiance and determination of the striking miners and their families
  • Scott fearlessly confronted company officials, law enforcement, and strikebreakers, refusing to back down in the face of threats and violence
  • Her unwavering commitment to the strike and her willingness to put herself on the front lines inspired other miners and their families to persevere

Intimidation by Basil Collins

  • , a local judge with ties to the mining company, represented the intimidation and opposition faced by the striking miners
  • Collins used his position to issue injunctions against the miners and to limit their ability to picket and protest
  • The portrayal of Collins in the documentary highlights the power imbalance between the miners and the company, and the challenges they faced in their fight for justice

Use of protest music

  • Harlan County, USA makes extensive use of protest music, drawing on the rich tradition of Appalachian folk music to underscore the miners' struggle
  • The music in the documentary serves as a powerful emotional and cultural touchstone, connecting the miners' experiences to the broader history of labor activism in the region

Appalachian folk music tradition

  • Appalachian folk music has a long history of chronicling the lives and struggles of working-class people in the region
  • The music often features themes of hardship, injustice, and resistance, making it a natural fit for the story of the Brookside mine strike
  • The use of Appalachian folk music in the documentary helps to situate the miners' struggle within a larger cultural and historical context

Hazel Dickens' powerful vocals

  • , a prominent Appalachian folk singer, provides much of the music in Harlan County, USA
  • Dickens' powerful, emotive vocals bring the songs to life, conveying the pain, anger, and determination of the striking miners and their families
  • Her performances add depth and resonance to the documentary, underscoring the emotional impact of the events depicted on screen

Lyrics reflecting miners' struggles

  • The lyrics of the protest songs used in the documentary directly address the experiences and struggles of the Harlan County miners
  • Songs like "Which Side Are You On?" and "They'll Never Keep Us Down" speak to the miners' determination to fight for their rights and their refusal to be intimidated by the company
  • The lyrics serve as a form of narration, commenting on the events of the strike and the broader issues of labor activism and social justice

Depicting violence and resistance

  • Harlan County, USA does not shy away from depicting the faced by the striking miners and their families
  • Kopple's camera captures the tense confrontations between miners and company guards, as well as the broader climate of fear and unrest in the community

Threats from company gun thugs

  • The documentary shows how the mining company employed armed guards, known as "gun thugs," to intimidate and harass the striking miners
  • These gun thugs, often hired from outside the community, threatened miners on the picket line and even fired shots at their homes
  • The presence of the gun thugs underscored the company's willingness to use violence and intimidation to break the strike

Miner solidarity vs strikebreaker aggression

  • The documentary contrasts the solidarity and unity of the striking miners with the aggression and hostility of the strikebreakers brought in by the company
  • Scenes of miners and their families peacefully picketing and supporting one another are juxtaposed with footage of strikebreakers hurling insults and physically confronting the miners
  • This contrast highlights the power of collective action and the challenges faced by workers who stand up for their rights

Bloody clash at Highsplint

  • One of the most dramatic and violent moments in the documentary occurs during a confrontation at the Highsplint mine, where strikebreakers and miners clashed
  • The scene captures the chaos and brutality of the encounter, with shots fired and people injured on both sides
  • The Highsplint clash underscores the high stakes of the strike and the willingness of both sides to resort to violence in pursuit of their goals

Killing of Lawrence Jones

  • The killing of Lawrence Jones, a young miner who was shot by a company guard during a confrontation, is a turning point in the documentary
  • Jones' death galvanizes the striking miners and their supporters, fueling their determination to see the strike through to the end
  • The tragedy also highlights the human cost of the conflict and the devastating impact of violence on the community

Resolution and aftermath

  • After a long and bitter struggle, the striking miners at Brookside ultimately prevailed, winning a union contract and improved working conditions
  • However, the victory was bittersweet, as the coal industry in Harlan County and across Appalachia would soon face a steep decline

Miners' union contract victory

  • The striking miners' successful negotiation of a union contract represented a significant victory for labor activism in Harlan County
  • The contract provided for better wages, benefits, and safety measures, addressing many of the miners' key demands
  • The victory demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity

Subsequent decline of coal industry

  • Despite the miners' hard-fought victory at Brookside, the coal industry in Harlan County and the broader Appalachian region would soon enter a period of decline
  • Factors such as increased mechanization, competition from other energy sources, and shifting economic priorities led to the closure of many mines and the loss of thousands of jobs
  • The decline of the coal industry had a devastating impact on mining communities, leading to widespread poverty and economic hardship

Lasting impact on labor movement

  • The Brookside mine strike and the events depicted in Harlan County, USA had a lasting impact on the labor movement in the United States
  • The documentary helped to raise awareness about the struggles of working-class Americans and the importance of labor activism in securing fair treatment and better conditions
  • The miners' victory at Brookside served as an inspiration to other workers and activists, demonstrating the power of solidarity and collective action in the face of corporate opposition

Kopple's reflections on filmmaking process

  • In and writings about the making of Harlan County, USA, Barbara Kopple has reflected on the challenges and ethical considerations involved in documenting the miners' strike
  • Her experiences in Harlan County shaped her approach to documentary filmmaking and her commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities

Challenges of access and safety

  • Gaining access to the mining community and the strike itself was a significant challenge for Kopple and her crew
  • They faced suspicion and hostility from both the mining company and some members of the community who were wary of outsiders
  • The violence and unrest surrounding the strike also posed safety concerns for the filmmakers, who had to navigate a tense and unpredictable environment

Ethical considerations of representation

  • Kopple has spoken about the ethical considerations involved in representing the lives and struggles of the Harlan County miners
  • She has emphasized the importance of building trust with the community and ensuring that their experiences are portrayed accurately and with respect
  • Kopple has also acknowledged the power dynamics at play in documentary filmmaking and the need to be mindful of the potential impact of the film on the lives of its subjects

Role of women in production team

  • Harlan County, USA was notable for the prominent role played by women in its production team
  • In addition to Kopple, who directed and produced the film, women like Anne Lewis and Elizabeth Barret served as cinematographers and sound recordists
  • The presence of women behind the camera helped to create a sense of trust and rapport with the miners' wives and other women in the community, who played a crucial role in the strike

Legacy and influence of Harlan County, USA

  • Since its release in 1976, Harlan County, USA has been widely recognized as a landmark documentary and a powerful testament to the importance of labor activism and social justice
  • The film has had a lasting impact on the documentary genre and has inspired a new generation of filmmakers committed to telling the stories of working-class communities

Academy Award for Best Documentary

  • Harlan County, USA won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1977
  • The award was a recognition of the film's artistic merit and its powerful portrayal of the Brookside mine strike
  • The success of the film helped to establish Barbara Kopple as a leading figure in the documentary film world and brought greater attention to the struggles of mining communities

Preserving history of labor activism

  • Harlan County, USA plays a crucial role in preserving the history of labor activism in Appalachia and the United States more broadly
  • The film documents a pivotal moment in the long struggle for workers' rights and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who fought for better conditions
  • By capturing the voices and experiences of the Harlan County miners and their families, the film ensures that their story will not be forgotten and will continue to inspire future generations

Inspiring new generation of filmmakers

  • The success and impact of Harlan County, USA has inspired a new generation of documentary filmmakers committed to social justice and activism
  • Filmmakers like Michael Moore, Ai Weiwei, and Laura Poitras have cited Kopple's work as an influence on their own approach to documentary storytelling
  • The film's legacy continues to be felt in the documentary world, with new films and projects that seek to shed light on the struggles of working-class communities and the fight for economic and social justice

Key Terms to Review (34)

1970s labor movement: The 1970s labor movement refers to a significant period of activism and change within labor unions and workers' rights in the United States during the 1970s. This era was marked by increased demands for fair wages, better working conditions, and job security as workers sought to address economic challenges and exploitative practices. The movement was characterized by notable strikes, the rise of new labor leadership, and legislative efforts aimed at enhancing workers' rights, reflecting a broader societal push for social justice.
Appalachian Folk Music Tradition: The Appalachian folk music tradition is a genre of American music that emerged in the Appalachian region, characterized by its use of traditional instruments, storytelling lyrics, and a deep connection to the culture and history of the mountain communities. This musical style reflects the struggles, joys, and daily lives of the people in the region, often focusing on themes such as love, work, and social issues, making it an integral part of the cultural identity in Appalachia.
Barbara Kopple: Barbara Kopple is a renowned American documentary filmmaker known for her compelling and socially conscious narratives. She is particularly recognized for her participatory approach, which allows her to immerse herself in the lives of her subjects, creating a deeper connection between the filmmaker and the story. Her work often blends traditional documentary elements with innovative storytelling techniques, making her a pivotal figure in hybrid and experimental documentary forms.
Basil Collins: Basil Collins is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves, typically served over ice. This drink represents the creativity and evolution of classic cocktails, showcasing how ingredients can be paired to create new flavors and experiences, particularly in the context of cultural and regional influences on drink recipes.
Black lung: Black lung, also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, is a lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust over prolonged periods. This condition primarily affects coal miners and leads to severe respiratory issues, impacting their quality of life and ability to work. In the context of labor and industrial settings, black lung highlights the dangers faced by workers and the often overlooked health risks associated with manual labor.
Brookside mine strike: The Brookside Mine Strike was a significant labor dispute that took place in Harlan County, Kentucky, beginning in 1973. It involved coal miners from the Brookside Mine who went on strike against the Eastover Mining Company to demand better wages, improved working conditions, and union recognition. This strike became emblematic of the broader struggles faced by labor unions in the coal industry, highlighting issues of workers' rights and corporate power.
Character Development: Character development is the process of creating a believable and relatable character who evolves throughout a narrative, reflecting their experiences, emotions, and relationships. This development is crucial in engaging the audience and providing depth to the story, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level and follow their journeys.
Cinéma vérité: Cinéma vérité is a style of documentary filmmaking that emphasizes naturalism and a direct engagement with reality, often using handheld cameras and minimal interference from the filmmakers. This approach seeks to capture authentic moments as they unfold, providing viewers with a sense of immediacy and intimacy. By prioritizing real-life events over scripted narratives, it blurs the line between observation and participation, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the subject matter.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, primarily between the working class and the ruling class, driven by their opposing interests and economic conditions. It emphasizes how social and economic inequalities lead to tension and conflict, as the working class seeks to improve their conditions while the ruling class aims to maintain their power and privileges. This dynamic is central to understanding socio-economic movements and labor rights throughout history.
Coal mining industry: The coal mining industry involves the extraction of coal from the earth to be used primarily as a fuel source for electricity generation and industrial processes. This industry has played a crucial role in shaping economies and labor movements, especially in regions rich in coal deposits, such as Appalachia in the United States.
Direct Cinema: Direct cinema is a documentary filmmaking style that emphasizes observational techniques, allowing the audience to witness events as they unfold in real-time without interference from the filmmaker. This approach often employs handheld cameras and natural lighting, creating an immersive experience that captures the authenticity of the subjects' lives. It prioritizes spontaneity and intimacy, enabling viewers to feel like they are part of the action, as seen in various notable films.
Eastover Mining Company: Eastover Mining Company was a coal mining company located in Harlan County, Kentucky, known for its role in the labor struggles and unionization efforts during the late 20th century. The company is prominently featured in the documentary 'Harlan County, USA', which highlights the violent confrontations between miners and law enforcement as workers fought for better wages and working conditions.
Economic inequality: Economic inequality refers to the disparity in wealth and income distribution among individuals and groups within a society. This term highlights how resources, opportunities, and privileges are unevenly shared, leading to significant differences in living standards and quality of life for various populations. Understanding economic inequality involves examining the structural factors that contribute to this imbalance and its broader social implications.
Harlan County: Harlan County is a region in Kentucky known for its significant role in coal mining and labor struggles, particularly highlighted in the documentary 'Harlan County, USA.' The area became a focal point for labor rights movements and the fight for better working conditions during the 1970s, showcasing the intersection of community identity, economic hardship, and social justice.
Hazel Dickens: Hazel Dickens was a prominent American bluegrass and folk singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics that often highlighted the struggles of coal miners and working-class people. Her music played a significant role in the documentary 'Harlan County, USA,' which showcased the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights in the coal mining community of Harlan County, Kentucky.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining voluntary agreement from individuals before participating in research or media production, ensuring they fully understand what participation involves, including potential risks and benefits. This concept is crucial in maintaining ethical standards, safeguarding individuals' rights, and fostering trust between filmmakers and subjects.
Interviews: Interviews are structured conversations where one person asks questions to gather information or insights from another person. In narrative documentary production, interviews play a crucial role in shaping the story by providing personal perspectives, emotional depth, and key information relevant to the subject being explored.
Labor rights: Labor rights refer to the legal rights and protections afforded to workers, ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and the ability to organize. These rights are crucial in promoting social justice and addressing power imbalances between employers and employees, as they encompass aspects like fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the right to collective bargaining.
Location shooting: Location shooting refers to the practice of filming a movie or documentary in real-world settings outside of a controlled studio environment. This technique allows filmmakers to capture authentic atmospheres, natural lighting, and genuine surroundings that enhance the storytelling and connect audiences to the subject matter. By utilizing actual locations, the documentary can achieve a greater level of realism and immediacy, which is particularly vital in narratives dealing with social issues or real-life events.
Lois Scott: Lois Scott is a key figure in the documentary 'Harlan County, USA,' serving as a prominent advocate for coal miners' rights and a central character in the narrative. Her involvement highlights the struggles faced by miners and their families during a significant labor dispute in the 1970s, showcasing her determination and resilience in the fight for better working conditions and fair wages.
Marion C. Wolf: Marion C. Wolf is a renowned documentary filmmaker and educator, best known for her work in social justice documentaries. Her contributions to the field emphasize the importance of storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when portraying marginalized communities. Through her work, she highlights the intersection of personal narrative and broader societal issues, particularly in relation to labor and economic struggles.
Miners' wives: Miners' wives are women who are married to men working in the mining industry, often playing a vital role in supporting their families and communities during times of economic hardship. These women typically took on numerous responsibilities, from managing household finances to organizing community support and protests during labor strikes. Their experiences highlight the intersection of gender, labor, and social justice within mining communities.
Narrative arc: A narrative arc is the structural framework that outlines the progression of a story, typically consisting of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure helps shape the viewer's experience and emotional journey, guiding them through the narrative by creating tension and engagement as the story unfolds. By effectively utilizing a narrative arc, filmmakers can enhance character development and thematic depth, making their documentaries more impactful.
Observational mode: Observational mode is a style of documentary filmmaking that emphasizes direct observation of events as they unfold in real-time, without the intervention of a narrator or scripted dialogue. This mode seeks to create an immersive experience for the audience, allowing them to witness the subject matter naturally and authentically, highlighting the nuances of human behavior and social interactions. The emphasis on unfiltered reality is essential in various contexts, including educational materials and social documentaries.
Participatory mode: Participatory mode is a style of documentary filmmaking that emphasizes collaboration between the filmmaker and the subjects, allowing for an interactive and co-creative process. This approach often blurs the lines between observer and participant, creating a more immersive and engaging narrative that reflects the voices and experiences of those involved. It allows audiences to witness real-life events while highlighting the active role of participants in shaping their stories.
Picket line: A picket line is a boundary established by striking workers, where they gather to protest against their employer's actions, typically during labor disputes. It serves as both a physical and symbolic barrier, aimed at demonstrating solidarity among workers and deterring others from crossing to work during the strike. Picket lines can be seen outside of workplaces and are often associated with various forms of protest, including signs and chants to raise awareness of their cause.
Protest music: Protest music refers to songs that are created to express opposition to social injustices, political issues, or wars, often aiming to inspire change or raise awareness. This genre of music serves as a powerful tool for social movements, giving voice to the marginalized and challenging the status quo. Through emotional lyrics and impactful melodies, protest music has the ability to mobilize listeners and unite communities around a common cause.
Representation: Representation refers to the way in which individuals, groups, and ideas are depicted or portrayed in media and narratives. It plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, influencing identity, and can both reflect and construct societal norms and values. The manner in which subjects are represented can impact stereotypes, audience understanding, and the overall message conveyed.
Strikebreakers: Strikebreakers are individuals who are hired to work in place of union workers who are on strike, effectively undermining the labor action. They can be seen as controversial figures in labor disputes, as their presence can weaken the strikers' position and disrupt solidarity within the workforce. Strikebreakers often face hostility from striking workers and are sometimes referred to as 'scabs'.
Strikers: Strikers are individuals who participate in a work stoppage to protest against their employer, typically demanding better wages, working conditions, or labor rights. In the context of labor movements, strikers play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and rights of workers, often facing significant risks and challenges during their actions.
The miners: The miners are the hardworking individuals who extract coal and other minerals from underground, often facing dangerous conditions and minimal pay. In the context of labor movements, they represent a group striving for better working conditions, wages, and rights, particularly highlighted in significant strikes and union activities, such as those depicted in 'Harlan County, USA'.
United Mine Workers of America: The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) is a labor union that represents coal miners in the United States, advocating for their rights and improving working conditions. Founded in 1890, the UMWA played a significant role in organizing coal miners and fighting for fair wages, safety regulations, and workers' rights, especially during pivotal strikes and labor movements throughout the 20th century.
Violence and intimidation: Violence and intimidation refer to the use of physical force or threats to exert control, instill fear, or coerce individuals or groups into compliance. This concept is significant in social and political contexts, where it often manifests in labor disputes, community struggles, and systemic oppression. The dynamics of violence and intimidation can shape the actions and responses of those involved, influencing both personal and collective narratives.
Worker exploitation: Worker exploitation refers to the unfair treatment of workers in which they are not compensated fairly for their labor or are subjected to harsh working conditions. This term is deeply tied to labor rights and social justice, as it highlights the power imbalances that allow employers to take advantage of workers, often prioritizing profit over human dignity and safety.
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