Tulsa

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Ken R Tulsa – Looks Terrific What makes this crowd pleaser better than many others in its genre? First would be the dedication of controversial independent producer Walter Wanger in gathering the right people for the job – starting with the choice of Oscar-winning cinematographer Winton C.Hoch. Hoch, who worked on the development staff of the 3 color Technicolor process before becoming a technician/cameraman, also made big advances in special photographic effects. Here, his work is seen alongside nominated effects guru John Fulton - these are on full display with the outstanding explosions of multiple oil rigs sending debris scattering in spectacular fashion - some of the most spectacular to be seen on film in the late 40s. Next, a most capable cast, with good chemistry in paring hard-working Susan Hayward (playing Cherokee, the half cast daughter) and the easy to take Robert Preston (as the Geologist, Brady). Most of the support cast were also of note even in small parts. A good script by Frank Nugent (The Searchers '56) kept things moving briskly as did direction by Stuart Heisler (The Glass Key '42). Art direction was in the hands of future director, Nathan Juran. Interestingly, the conservation of cattle lands is examined alongside oil greed. Those not used to watching movies of this era may not appreciate the above-average production values, so may not fully value the outcome, others should be more than suitably entertained. The picture also includes an introductory pre-credit sequence detailing the history of the various Red Indians whose land Tulsa was originally. The public domain DVD copies leave much to be desired, so best seek out a restored copy. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/05/22 Full Review Audience Member A stirring film about a young woman's opportunity of living on oil stricken land & utilizing the situation to stand up against the other Oil Moguls. The most interesting part of the film actually was the subtle environmental aspect through the lives of the American Indians who lived off the land. Fun exiting & full of action it's what you would expect from the movies of that era. It's considered B Grade in its day but I found the Action/Drama quite interesting. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member An interesting twist on the typical western homesteaders vs. ranchers story, this time making the ranchers the wronged underdog in a ranchers vs. oil barons story. Written by Frank S. Nugent, who wrote some of John Ford's best films, wrote this sharp screenplay. The script is the best part of the film, with the story of Susan Hayward taking over her recently deceased father's ranch and then gets the oil drilling rights, becoming part of the Oklahoma oil boom of the 1920s. There are some interesting ideas around greed and conservation, but the film seemed rather cheaply made, outside of a terrific oil fire finale, although this perception may have been due to the fact that this film fell into the public domain and the print shown on TCM looked awful. It's worth watching and Hayward is great, but it's no "Giant". Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member historical pic of sorts about the growth of a sleepy village into modern day Tulsa Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Tulsa has its flaws but it's still an interesting film, sometimes it seemed to be purely propaganda, whose main strenght is Susan Hayward's performance. This actress had a lot of personality and beauty, she was perfect in this role. Robert Preston plays a jealous engineer that falls in love with Cherokee (Hayward). And Pedro Armendariz is wasted in the role of Jim, this character lacked the agressiveness, bravery and the great personality Armendariz printed in the Mexican cinema. The topic the film talks about is actual and historic, I could learn a lot about the oil business and its production. Good picture that isn't very popular nowadays, though. Maybe the failure comes due to the cold and little developed romance between the protagonists. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting movie made in 1949 looking at pollution issues. Unusual for its day. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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