magnifying glass search icon
Poster of Oil City Confidential

Oil City Confidential (2009)

“Oil City is 100% Pure Below Sea Level, Canvey Island Noir”

Where to Watch in

Subscription

Where to Watch in

Subscription

Plot

In the explosive saga of "Oil City Confidential," we witness the meteoric rise and fall of Dr. Feelgood, a quartet of audacious musicians who, garbed in inexpensive suits, emerged from the gritty heart of Canvey Island in the early 1970s. They reshaped the landscape of rock'n'roll, leaving an indelible mark akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes. These four estuarine pioneers were precursors to the punk era, playing the role of John-the-Baptists to Johnny Rotten's anti-Christ. Razor-sharp wit and infectious energy propelled them from the muddy banks of Canvey Island to the pulsating heart of London, and eventually, through the veins of Europe. Their music, raw and unfiltered, soared to the top of the UK charts, only for them to self-destruct just as punk was being ushered into existence and the glittering promise of America lay tantalizingly within reach. This riveting chronicle brings together a chorus of voices from the era, including members of The Clash, Blondie, and The Sex Pistols, along with collaborators Jools Holland and Alison Moyet. Together, they paint a vivid tableau of Canvey Island, the turbulent tapestry of '70s England, and the unforgettable journey of the world's greatest local band, Dr. Feelgood. "Oil City Confidential" is a raw, unflinching exploration of music, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success.

Where to watch Oil City Confidential?

Oil City Confidential is a documentary movie featuring Lee Brilleaux.

Oil City Confidential is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.