More of a "pop" than a "boom". Lavish MGM production in which the studio paired its greatest male stars, Gable and Tracy, for the last time. The story concerns two oilmen whose financial ups and downs are interwoven with their romantic entanglements. Against a backdrop of gushing oil
wells and East Coast wheeling and dealing, Gable steals his friend's true love (Colbert) and then cheats on her with another (Lamarr). Tracy, noble and stoic to the end, works behind the scenes to protect his former love.
A slick, fast-moving film, BOOM TOWN displays a queer obsession with earning and losing money by the million. The star power, with little of value to hang onto, does its professional best to boost the lumpy storyline. The biggest hit of 1940, this mediocre film earned Oscar nominations for Best
Cinematography and Best Special Effects. leave a comment
