War Of The Wildcats

War of the Wildcats is a 1943 American Western film directed by Albert Rogell and starring John Wayne, Martha Scott, and Albert Dekker. The film is also known as In Old Oklahoma.

Set in the early 1900s, the movie follows the story of Dan Somers (John Wayne), a cowboy prospecting for oil in Oklahoma. He teams up with his longtime friend, Jim Gardner (Albert Dekker), to search for oil on a piece of land owned by an elderly lady, Bessie Baxter (Cecil Cunningham). However, the plot thickens when a wealthy businessman and oil tycoon, J.C. Anderson (Albert Dekker), arrives in town and offers to buy the same piece of land at a higher price than what Somers and Gardner can afford.

To make matters worse, Somers and Gardner become rivals when they both fall in love with the same woman, Catherine Elizabeth Allen (Martha Scott), who is an engineer hired by Anderson to survey the land. In the end, Somers and Gardner must put aside their differences and work together to protect the land from Anderson and his ruthless tactics.

John Wayne delivers a strong performance as Dan Somers, showcasing his signature cowboy grit and charm. Martha Scott shines as Catherine, portraying a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to hold her own in a male-dominated industry. Albert Dekker is perfect as the antagonist, adding just enough sleaze to make viewers hate him.

The film received critical acclaim for its stunning cinematography, particularly the scenes shot on location in the Oklahoma plains. The landscape adds an authentic feel to the movie, making viewers feel as though they are traveling back in time to witness the early days of oil prospecting.

War of the Wildcats is not your typical Western, as it focuses more on the business side of the industry than gun-slinging action. However, the movie still provides enough excitement and drama to keep viewers engaged, with the added bonus of a love triangle thrown into the mix.

Overall, War of the Wildcats is a classic Western film that showcases the talents of its cast and the beauty of the Oklahoma landscape. Fans of John Wayne and the Western genre will not be disappointed.