Originally released under the title In Old Oklahoma, this high-energy Western-drama is a classic example of wartime escapism, featuring a rugged battle for resources and romance during the early 20th-century oil boom.
The Premise
The story is set in the Oklahoma Territory, where the discovery of “black gold” has turned the frontier into a frantic battlefield of greed. Dan Somers, a clean-cut and principled cowboy, finds himself at odds with the ruthless and wealthy oil tycoon Jim “Hunk” Gardner.
The conflict is two-fold: both men are vying for the rights to drill for oil on Indian lands, and both are competing for the affections of Catherine Allen, a schoolteacher who has just arrived from the East. While Gardner represents the cutthroat corporate interests willing to steamroll anyone in his way, Somers champions a fairer approach for the local landowners. The rivalry escalates into a literal race against time as Somers must transport a massive shipment of oil across treacherous terrain to meet a strict deadline, facing sabotage and physical danger at every turn to prove his claim and win the lady’s heart.
Key Cast and Crew
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Director: Albert S. Rogell
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Screenplay: Ethel Hill and Eleanore Griffin
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Producer: Robert North (Republic Pictures)
| Actor | Role |
| John Wayne | Dan Somers |
| Martha Scott | Catherine Elizabeth Allen |
| Albert Dekker | Jim “Hunk” Gardner |
| George “Gabby” Hayes | Despirit Dean |
| Marjorie Rambeau | Bessie Baxter |
| Dale Evans | Cuddles Walker |
Trivia
This film is a standout for featuring the legendary John Wayne in a role that balances his typical “tough guy” persona with a slightly more entrepreneurial spirit. It also features George “Gabby” Hayes, perhaps the most famous Western sidekick in cinema history, providing his signature comedic relief.
