"War of the Wildcats" is a classic Western film released in 1938, directed by Albert S. Rogell and starring John Wayne, Martha Scott, and Albert Dekker. The film is set in Oklahoma during the early 1900s and follows the story of Dan Somers, a struggling oil man who enters into a fierce competition with his rival Jim Gardner for the rights to drill for oil on a valuable piece of land.
The film begins with Somers discovering oil on his land, but he soon learns that he needs a permit from the government to drill. Unfortunately for him, Gardner has already secured the rights to drill on the land adjacent to his, and he is determined to prevent Somers from obtaining the necessary permit.
Somers decides to fight back and enters the race for county commissioner, hoping to gain the authority to issue permits for drilling. He is opposed by Gardner's men, who resort to dirty tricks to discredit him and sway the election in their favor.
Despite the obstacles, Somers wins the election and is able to issue the permit for drilling on his land. However, his victory is short-lived when Gardner's men sabotage his oil derrick and cause a massive fire. In the final showdown, Somers confronts Gardner and his men in a thrilling gunfight, which ends with Somers emerging victorious and his land secured.
Overall, "War of the Wildcats" is a classic Western tale of rivalry, ambition, and perseverance. John Wayne delivers a solid performance as the determined and hardworking Somers, while Martha Scott shines as his love interest. The film features stunning landscapes, exciting action scenes, and a memorable score by Victor Young. It remains a beloved classic of the Western genre.
