W.C. Fields cons a rich guy in 60 minutes of oil-scam chaos. What could go wrong?
Wealthy Sam Hunter is approached by scheming Richard Whitehead about investing in oil. There appears to be no oil, and everyone is angry until oil is re-discovered.
Acting
W.C. Fields' conman timing—dry, drunk, and perfectly dishonest.
Practical Effects
1928 oil derrick chaos done with real machinery and real danger.
Director
Charles Reisner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was W.C. Fields' first leading role in a feature-length talkie, though it retains silent-era physical comedy DNA.
Released months before the 1929 crash, its oil-boom greed now reads as accidental prophecy.
US
