The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power
The globe-spanning story of the oil industry from the first strikes of the 19th century through the Gulf War. The industry's colorful characters and oil's key role in 20th century history are brought to life by participants and historians.
★ 7.5/1019921 season
HDCC
Season 1
8 episodes
- 1. Our PlanThe discovery of petroleum gives rise to a new global industry. John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil grows into a monopoly. Muckraking journalist Ida Tarbell pulls back the curtain and reveals inconvenient truths about the robber baron.CC52minNov 1, 1992
- 2. Empires of OilOil is struck in Sumatra. Henri Deterding of Royal Dutch Petroleum and Marcus Samuel of Shell join forces and compete against Standard Oil. Oil is struck in Texas. Winston Churchill recognizes the strategic value of oil on the eve of World War I.CC52minNov 8, 1992
- 3. The Black GiantStandard Oil's Walter 'The Boss' Teagle squares off against Calouste 'Mr. Five Percent' Gulbenkian, gatekeeper to Mideast oil. C.M. 'Dad' Joiner and Doc Lloyd strike oil in east Texas, sparking a boom that brings government regulation to the industry.CC53minNov 15, 1992
- 4. War and OilThe key but often overlooked role that oil played in World War II is examined and discussed by war veterans and military historians.CC53minNov 22, 1992
- 5. Crude DiplomacyMideast oil is declared the greatest prize in history, but a prize not easily won. Participants and historians discuss the wooing of Saudi Arabia's Ibn Saud, the creation of Aramco, and the postwar reality that petroleum is political.CC52minNov 29, 1992
- 6. Power to the ProducersThe story of oil in the 1950s and '60s. Italy's Enrico Mattei challenges the 'Seven Sisters.' Oil diplomacy in an increasingly volatile Middle East. The creation of OPEC in 1960. Cheap oil fuels America's car culture and suburban sprawl.CC52minDec 6, 1992
- 7. The TinderboxThe tumultuous years 1971 through 1991 saw shifting power in the oil industry as OPEC commandeered the driver's seat, sparking a global search for new oil sources. 'Oil as a weapon' results in the gas shortages of 1973 and '79.CC52minDec 13, 1992
- 8. The New Order of OilIs oil a 'sunset industry'? A galvanized environmentalist movement and government regulation pose challenges to the oil industry. The oil industry presses ahead trusting in its customers' continuing love affair with their automobiles.CC52minDec 20, 1992
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power
★ 7.5/1019921 season8 episodesEnded
The globe-spanning story of the oil industry from the first strikes of the 19th century through the Gulf War. The industry's colorful characters and oil's key role in 20th century history are brought to life by participants and historians.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Jonathan T. Taplin, William Cran, Ruth Jackson, Ben Loeterman
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Stream
