Flowing Gold (1940)

Under the shadow of a false murder accusation, John Alexander, now assuming the name Johnny Blake, embarks on a desperate quest for justice, freedom, and anonymity. His path is stained with oil as he navigates from one oil field to another, seeking refuge in the roughneck world. As he merges with the grease-streaked crowd, he stumbles upon a loyal ally in the form of Hap O'Connor, an oil rig foreman. A bond of friendship quickly forges between them as Johnny aids Hap amidst adversity, even as Hap is aware of the murky cloud of murder that follows Johnny. Their destinies intertwine further when they cross paths with Wildcat Chalmers, an old friend of Hap's. Chalmers is on a relentless pursuit to strike oil, a journey made treacherous by the ruthless manipulations of his arch-nemesis, Charles Hammond. Johnny's allegiance takes a turn when he discerns Hammond's vicious intent to ruin Wildcat, and by extension his newfound friend, Hap. In the grimy heart of the oil fields, a complex love triangle emerges, adding another layer of tension to their turbulent lives. The object of their affection is Linda Chalmers, Wildcat's daughter, a woman as familiar with the oil-streaked landscapes as the men who toil on them. While Hap harbors a quiet love for Linda, Johnny finds himself drawn to her fiery spirit. However, he suppresses his romantic inclinations, aware of Hap's feelings for her. As the oil fields bubble with tension, a raging oil well fire engulfs their complex relationships, forcing them to confront Johnny's past and their tangled affections for Linda. All the while, the relentless pursuit of black gold continues, promising either a gush of prosperity or a slick of despair. The fate of their friendship, love, and the oil well hangs in the balance, poised on the edge of a drill bit.

Flowing Gold is an adventure movie featuring John Garfield.

Flowing Gold is currently streaming on TCM.