Whether or not you are familiar with the terminology of oil rigging, crude oil refining and petroleum production, you will find this DVD collection of historic oil industry films useful, entertaining and highly educational. This DVD includes information on all of the following topics:History of petroleum products and the oil industry Oil rigs, rigging and oil rig equipment Oil production & oil companies Gas (automobile gasoline) production Crude oil energy sources Oil refinery equipment Oil drilling Oil energy One of the most interesting parts of watching these oil production films from 1930-1960 is examining the mid-century views of oil companies regarding gasoline and energy source concerns. Things have really changed in the last 50-75 years in regards to how and with what authority oil drilling, rigging and refining takes place. Crude oil (otherwise known as petroleum) has always been a finite resource on this Earth, but in the past, the booming oil industry companies could essentially turn a blind eye to the growing energy concerns of environmentalists. America has since built an economy based on each individual having their own gas guzzling automobile for personal transportation. As the scarcity of natural resources has become more and more of a worldwide worry, the oil industry has been forced to answer many of the questions staring them in the face for so many decades about the obtainment and use of crude oil. Now it seems that a race is on to gather up and store the worlds remaining petroleum. The measured use of these remaining oil reserves will dictate the future of worldwide politics, economics and environmental issues.
Included Films:
Gasoline For Everybody
Gasoline For Everybody
Produced: 1947
Length: 12 Minutes
Gasoline for Everybody is an ironic film that touts the powers of oil in general, and gasoline in particular. The focus of the film is how gasoline is processed out of crude oil, all the way from oil extraction to paying at the pump. Breathtaking scenes of processing plants are intermingled with informative animation that break down the scientific and technological aspects of gasoline production. But the overarching theme of Gasoline for Everyone is how fuel will propel America to the stratosphere.
More Power to You
More Power to You
Produced: 1930s
Length: 9 Minutes
Famous broadcaster Lowell Thomas narrates this deftly informative educational video about oil processing and oil industry history. This Jam Handy production offers a very simple and useful account of oil drilling, transportation, world oil reserves, oil well drilling, oil refinery, oil pumping to the consumer, and oil uses in the average household. Using animated diagrams and real footage of oil wells, refineries, laboratories, and pipelines, the film goes into detail without becoming confusing. Viewers will be well informed about classic petroleum production by the end of More Power to You.
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Oil Today - Power Tomorrow
Oil Today – Power Tomorrow
Produced: 1950
Length: 16 Minutes
A cutesy oil promotional video from post World War 2 America that is intended to guide a young viewer through the processing of oil, from the oil rig drilling to crude oil refining. A young man named Bob and his faithful terrier visit an oil rig where they become transfixed by the processing of oil and petroleum hydrocarbons. Bob and his dog get a tour of the oil rig, see one being built, one dismantled, one catching fire, oil being shipped on tankers, and even gets to ogle the burned out hull of one of the ships that was destroyed by an oil fire. Particularly highlighted are oil rig jobs and what oil drilling companies do for the economy. This film also attempts to explain the importance of oil to the United States daily operation, and describes multitudinous oil uses as more than just energy sources for cars and machinery. Historically significant, this film was made prior to Americas dependence on oil, and serves as a benchmark in oil industry history.
Exclusively Yours
Exclusively Yours
Produced: 1954
Length: 15 Minutes
Yours Exclusively is an intriguing relic from 1950s American business. When Texaco developed a new additive for their high octane gasoline, called Petrox, they commissioned this film in order to serve as training videos for their salesmen on its benefits, painting it as the best gas additive on the market. It remains now as a fascinating review of what new product launches were like in the 1950s. The film appeared at the 1954 annual meeting of salesmen, and it shows all the new advertising surrounding the launch of this product. Very good footage of a cutaway engine, as well as animation, illustrates how the new gas additive affects a car engine. Old Texaco print ads and vintage billboards douse the film with an enjoyably retro feel. Yours Exclusively is a great look at gas station history in America.
Progress Parade
Progress Parade
Produced: 1960
Length: 13 Minutes
Progress Parade is a petroleum newsreel that really is just a promotional video for the oil industry. The film is unintentionally uproarious, however, as the advancements in crude oil refining, oil use, and oil production are often frightening! A University of Louisiana study investigating the effects of nearby oil-drilling on the oyster population takes a ridiculous approach: tanks of oysters are shown in the lab, being doused with oil, and tested. Hilariously, the research concludes that oil and drilling explosions have no effect on the oysters, proving that the petroleum industry is a good neighbor to the oyster fisherman! Many other scenes of oil application are examined, always with the result that petroleum and petroleum products are a boon to mankind. A great piece of the history of petroleum, Progress Parade is a beautiful example of oil and energy propaganda in the United States.
