Wildcat  (1942)

Theatrical Release Information:
Wildcat

One of the most frequently revived of the Pine-Thomas productions of the 1940s, Wildcat is set amongst the oil fields of Oklahoma. With the help of his pal Chicopee Nevins (Elisha Cook Jr.), foresighted oil speculator Johnny Maverick (Richard Arlen) buys up a great deal of property in hopes of coming up with a gusher. Maverick's business practices are questionable to say the least, and as result he's constantly on the lookout for potential investors. After Nevins is killed in an accident, con artists Nan Deering (Arline Judge) and Oliver Westbrook (William Frawley) make a bid for Nevins' half of the business, with Nan posing as the dead partner's sister. Westbrook's business knowhow enables Maverick to finally arrive at the brink of success, but now he has a new obstacle to overcome: Villainous wildcatter Mike Rawlins (Larry "Buster" Crabbe), who has a bad habit of setting fire to his competition's oil wells. Some of the film's best scenes are at the beginning, as Maverick and Nevins try to charm an old woman into leasing her land to them by pretending to enjoy the lady's indigestable apple pies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide