Watch Oklahoma Crude

Set in the late 1960s in rural Oklahoma, Oklahoma Crude is a drama film that depicts a small oil-drilling operation in the midst of an oil boom, and the tensions that arise with a large corporation seeking to buy out the small independent operation. The movie begins with a shot of a small town in Oklahoma and quickly transitions to a scene that underscores the importance of oil drilling for this community – a local gas station attendant named Mase (played by George C. Scott) is filling up a customer's tank when he learns that his company's oil rig has hit a vein of crude oil. This leads him to believe that he and his employer could potentially strike it rich, and he sets out to convince his boss Cleon (played by John Mills) to invest in a new drilling operation. Despite the fact that the local drilling operation is falling apart due to financial struggles, environmental concerns, and disagreements between Mase and Cleon, they nonetheless continue to search for oil, determined to make a profit that would revitalize their community.

Soon after, a major oil company, represented by Faye Dunaway's character Lena Doyle, comes to town offering a buyout to Mase and his colleagues. Mase initially resists the offer, insisting that he and Cleon can keep their business going indefinitely, without the help of a corporation. However, as the film unfolds, Mase and Cleon begin to realize that they are running out of time and resources, and that negotiating with the corporation might be the only viable option. Meanwhile, Lena grows increasingly frustrated with Mase and his colleagues' opposition to the buyout, and the tensions between the two parties begin to escalate.

As the story progresses, Oklahoma Crude highlights the differences between the small, rural way of life and the corporate greed, as well as how their priorities differ. At its core, the movie is about how the people on the bottom are struggling to survive and are constantly confronted with institutional corruption and greed. Additionally, the movie incorporates a subtle environmentalist message related to the dangers and negative consequences of unfettered oil drilling on the environment.

George C. Scott gives an outstanding performance as Mase - a man who is known as a bit of a troublemaker and a wild card, but with an unwavering loyalty to his community and values. Faye Dunaway adds a powerful presence as a woman who is both smart and cunning, yet who is also forced to deal with her own inner demons, making her sometimes unpredictable in her decisions. John Mills also delivers a strong performance as Cleon, who is sometimes depicted as an enabler to Mase, but also as a man truly trying to do what he thinks is best for his community.

The film is also notable for its impressive cinematography. The countryside and landscapes are beautifully shot, with the beautifully lit scenes of the small town's lengthy main street toward the end of the film a particular standout. The film also does a great job of capturing what local life must have been like in those times, and also does not shy away from showing the often-lethal danger surrounding the activity of prospecting and drilling.

Overall, Oklahoma Crude is a compelling drama that explores the themes of corruption, environmental degradation, and power, all told through the story of a small-town community turned topsy-turvy by the sudden influx of big business interest. The film ultimately raises more questions than it provides answers, but it’s thought-provoking just the same.

Oklahoma Crude is a 1973 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.