Though there are some well-framed shots from cinematographer Mathieu Plainfossé, the script from Gerry De Leon and director Ty Roberts is lifeless, covered in a layer of dust that the cast can't rouse it from.

What it lacks is a distinct perspective; for all its period details and solid acting, the underlying message about this time in Texas oil history - that it was right, that it was wrong, that it was necessary - is lacking.

Seemingly nostalgic for a period when West Texas roughnecks settled scores with baseball bats and laid pipe with pickaxes, this lovingly made homage to avarice feels strangely limp. Instead of gushing, it trickles.

If writer-director Ty Roberts doesn't exactly hit pay dirt, neither does he leave viewers completely empty-handed.