The Oil Prince (1965) – The Tragedy of Greed in the Wild West

The Oil Prince (1965), originally titled Der Ölprinz, is a European-style Western based on the famous novel by Karl May. Directed by Harald Philipp, starring Stewart Granger, Pierre Brice and Harald Leipnitz, the film tells the story of the war between the Apache natives and the greedy invaders, represented by the Oil Prince.

Set against the majestic wild nature of Yugoslavia (now Croatia), the film not only depicts an exciting adventure story but also conveys a humane message about greed and the protection of national identity.

The story begins when a notorious con man, known as the Oil Prince, plots to usurp the land of the Apaches to exploit oil. To carry out his plan, he pretends to be a wealthy investor, tricking gullible settlers into selling land. These people, believing in the promise of a better life, do not know that the land belongs to the Apache tribe, who always protect nature as they protect their own souls.

Meanwhile, Winnetou (Pierre Brice), the Apache leader, and his loyal companion Old Surehand (Stewart Granger) quickly discover the Oil Prince’s cunning plot. With a brave spirit and righteous heart, they are determined to protect the sacred land, not only for their people but also for justice and reason.
The battle between justice and greed
In the harsh world of the Wild West, where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, greed seems to be the greatest enemy. The Oil Prince symbolizes people caught up in the vortex of money, regardless of means to achieve personal gain. Not only does he deceive the settlers, he is also willing to wage war against the Apaches, putting an entire community in danger.

On the contrary, Winnetou and Old Surehand represent the heroic spirit, always defending truth and honor. The opposition between the two sides is not only a battle for power but also a struggle between greed and honesty, between modern civilization and ancient traditions.

Friendship and solidarity
Amidst the evil plots, the friendship between Winnetou and Old Surehand shines like a light of hope. Although they come from two different cultures, they still stand side by side, believing absolutely in their common ideal: protecting the sacred land.

Their journey is not only a fight against the Oil Prince but also a protection of cultural identity, something that is easily lost when greed and modernization creep into every corner of life.

Artistic value and humanistic message
The film attracts viewers not only thanks to its engaging plot but also thanks to its skillful staging, bearing the mark of European Western films.

Magnificent nature: The mountains and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes Park (Croatia) create a vast, majestic space, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

Heroic music: Martin Böttcher’s melody combines classical sounds with strong rhythms, depicting the resilience of the Apache people.

Impressive acting: Stewart Granger and Pierre Brice convincingly transform, highlighting the sincere friendship between white people and Indians, overcoming all challenges.

Message throughout
The Oil Prince brings a profound lesson about insatiable greed. When people are absorbed in pursuing material wealth, they easily lose their core values, trading off their personality and honesty.
On the contrary, the Apache tribe reminds us of the importance of harmony with nature and preserving cultural identity. Land is not only a resource but also the soul, the life of the community.

Reflection from the story
In the midst of a turbulent modern world, the message of the film remains valuable:

Greed never brings true happiness.

Preserving tradition is protecting the soul of a community.

Friendship and solidarity help overcome all difficulties, regardless of cultural or origin differences.

The Oil Prince is not only an entertaining Western film but also a song about humanity, love of land, about the choice between personal interests and community responsibility.

In the end, the failure of the Oil Prince is a strong warning about the consequences of greed and betrayal. Spiritual values ​​are always stronger than any material force. And no matter how the world changes, belief in justice and humanity will always be the most lasting source of strength.