Movie spotlight
Black Gold
Wildcat riggers risk their lives in the pursuit of oil. Their jobs get even more dangerous when ruthless oil baron J.C. Anderson sets his sights on their territory. When longtime driller Dan O'Reilly falls to his death from a well tower sabotaged by Anderson's strong-arm thugs, his teenage son 'Fishtail' inherits the property and the troubles that come with it. With the help of his geologist pal, Hank Langford, the boy fights to bring in a gusher before the deed to the well-site expires.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the oil boom of the 1930s, a young rancher fights against a ruthless oil tycoon who is trying to steal his land and control the region's oil supply. He forms an unlikely alliance with a determined reporter to expose the tycoon's fraudulent dealings and protect his family's legacy.
Critical Reception
While not a major critical darling of its time, "Black Gold" was a serviceable B-movie Western that provided straightforward entertainment. It was generally seen as a competent entry in the genre, offering a familiar narrative with a charismatic lead performance.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a typical but engaging oil-boom Western plot.
John Wayne's early performance is a highlight.
The pacing is adequate for the genre, though the plot is predictable.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific film from 1936 is not readily available through modern platforms.
Fun Fact
This film was originally intended to be a much larger production but was scaled back due to budget constraints, eventually becoming a B-movie.
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