John Alexander (John Garfield) is wanted for murder. Oil rig supervisor Hap O'Connor (Pat O'Brien) hires him despite knowing his fugitive status. He saves Hap from a vengeful employee and Hap owes him. He has to run for it when the police shows up. Hap reconnects with old buddy Wildcat Chalmers (Raymond Walburn). Linda Chalmers (Frances Farmer) is Wildcat's smart, beautiful daughter. John arrives to work for Wildcat's rival.
Okay Okay Okay. It's got a good meet-cute. It only gets cuter with playful cad Garfield and adorably frustrated Farmer. I love that she keeps touching her nose when he calls her "freckle-nose". O'Brien plays the straight man in the love triangle. Quite frankly, I love all three sides of the triangle, but one side must lose. The eventual conflict makes sense and I like Hap pulling out that card. After the oil fire gets put out, the love resolution needs another move. The cops need to come for John and Hap can help the couple get away. That's their Casablanca resolution.
Okay Okay Okay. It's got a good meet-cute. It only gets cuter with playful cad Garfield and adorably frustrated Farmer. I love that she keeps touching her nose when he calls her "freckle-nose". O'Brien plays the straight man in the love triangle. Quite frankly, I love all three sides of the triangle, but one side must lose. The eventual conflict makes sense and I like Hap pulling out that card. After the oil fire gets put out, the love resolution needs another move. The cops need to come for John and Hap can help the couple get away. That's their Casablanca resolution.