Oiltown, U.S.A.

Oiltown, U.S.A. is a 1953 evangelical drama film that stars the renowned preacher Billy Graham in one of his most significant cinematic appearances. The film is also graced by the performances of notable 1950s Hollywood actors like Colleen Townsend and Paul Power. In this film, Graham is not merely delivering a sermon; rather, he plays himself, carrying his message of faith into the riveting realm of narrative cinema.

Directed by Richard Ross, Oiltown, U.S.A. endeavors to go beyond the traditional depiction of religious stories by embedding the Christian ethos into a contemporary tale of ambition, family relationships, and the consequences of unchecked greed. The film paints a vivid picture of the early 1950s oil boom in the United States and the ensuing scramble for wealth that transformed ordinary towns into high-stakes battlegrounds for control, power and prestige.

Graham's character is drawn into the story after an old friend invites him to visit his oil-rich town. The pastor becomes enmeshed in the struggles of the townsfolk, specifically those of his friend's family, as they wrestle with the corrosive effects of newfound wealth and the moral decay it engenders. Throughout the movie, Graham’s appearances are often marked by his heartfelt efforts to provide guidance, consolation, and moral clarity to the conflicted characters grappling with their personal dilemmas.

Colleen Townsend is delightful in her role as Kathy, the daughter of the oil baron, who is stricken by the moral decay she observes in her family and the community she loves. Torn between loyalty to her father and her burgeoning awareness of the devastating impacts of his oil pursuits upon their town, Kathy adds depth to the movie by embodying the conflict between reverence for tradition and the allure of modernity.

Paul Power excels as Jim, the oil magnate and Kathy's father, who becomes consumed by his growing influence in “oiltown.” Power gives a nuanced performance of a man confliced between his rise from rags-to-riches and its shaping effects on his personal values and relationships. His character personifies the classic downfall of those seduced by wealth and power, oblivious to their declining moral compass.

The film does not shy away from putting forth potent messages about the need for moral integrity and the corrupting influence of money. It delivers a stern biblical warning against the dangers of “the love of money being the root of all evil.” Yet, Oiltown, U.S.A. is not merely about lectures on morality or religious teachings—it intertwines these themes into a dynamic and engaging narrative.

The cinematography of Oiltown, U.S.A. is commendable as well. The film captures the raw energy of an American oil drilling town, with scenes of towering oil derricks, muddy worksites, and the contrasting quiet sanctuary of the local church. This juxtaposition creates an eerily beautiful visual microcosm of the broader struggles played out in the story: between faith and greed, poverty and wealth, humility and power.

In the film, Billy Graham’s firm belief in the power of the Christian faith to resolve personal and societal issues offers a counterpoint to the ethical dilemmas wrought by the oil boom. His character serves as a moral compass, navigating and trying to mitigate the upheaval caused by newfound riches on human relationships and societal norms.

Oiltown, U.S.A. has something for everyone—rich familial drama, the intrigue of fortune-seekers, and a poignant display of moral struggles in an era of rapid industrial development. Still, it's much more than just entertainment. The film provides a conducive vehicle for Billy Graham's evangelical message while offering a commentary on the multifaceted consequences of unchecked ambition and greed.

Above all, this 1950s classic is not just about the turbulent and transformative journey of an oil-rich town. It is an allegorical tale that uses the backdrop of the oil boom to delve into the perennial process of grappling with moral dilemmas, the allure of wealth, and the strength of faith to restore balance. Beyond its historical context, Oiltown, U.S.A. makes its mark as a timeless exploration of human character and the enduring power of faith.