She’s Oil Mine (1941)

In “She’s Oil Mine” (1941), Buster Keaton engages in a duel for the affection of a lady. This short film also marks his final work for Columbia Pictures, concluding a series of 10 films he made for the studio between 1939 and 1941.

This film is a reinterpretation of Buster Keaton’s 1932 full-length feature “The Passionate Plumber.” The memorable duel scene was also revisited in Keaton’s 1947 French short film titled “Un Duel A Mort.”

Following the production of 10 short films for Columbia, Keaton decided not to extend his contract and transitioned into supporting roles in feature-length movies. Remarkably, Columbia continued to distribute Keaton’s comedies to theaters, maintaining their popularity well into the 1960s.

It might be hard to believe but, after the completion of this short film, a discontented Buster Keaton decided to part ways with Columbia, swearing off any further involvement in what he considered “low-quality” two-reelers for the studio. Although Felix Adler had penned a script for another short featuring Keaton, originally titled “What A Soldier!,” the project was put on hold and, in the end, was produced with Joe Besser as “Dizzy Yardbird” (1950).

Cast

• Buster Keaton as Buster Waters, the Plumber
• Elsie Ames as the Heiress
• Monte Collins as Monty Piper, the Plumber (credited as Monty Collins)
• Eddie Laughton as Clementi, Elsie’s Suitor, and the Voice of the Radio Announcer
• Dorothy Appleby as the Hotel Maid (uncredited)
• Bud Jamison as the Second (uncredited)
• Harry Semels as the Referee (uncredited)

She’s Oil Mine (1941) – Story line

In “She’s Oil Mine” (1941), the dynamic plumbing duo of Waters and Piper, played by Buster Keaton and Monte Collins, find themselves in the midst of a busy day at their workshop. But their day takes a hilarious turn when Elsie Ames, an oil heiress fleeing from an overly persistent suitor, seeks refuge in their shop. In a classic twist of fate, Elsie’s arrival leads to a series of comical misadventures.

Elsie, an independent oil heiress pursued by a deceitful foreign nobleman, hides in the unlikeliest of places – a plumbing workshop. In gratitude for their assistance, Elsie offers Buster the task of fixing the shower in her lavish home. However, their peaceful interlude is interrupted when the conniving suitor, Clementi, invades Elsie’s house. Buster and Monty, coming to her rescue, find themselves entangled in a whimsical showdown with the foreigner.

As tensions mount, Clementi’s jealousy leads him to challenge Buster to a ludicrous duel. The duel’s outcome, though, is anything but typical, as an unexpected twist involving a hunter and a shot fired in the nick of time sends Clementi and his entourage running for cover.

In “She’s Oil Mine,” Buster Keaton’s signature brand of physical comedy shines as he navigates a whirlwind of mishaps and delivers side-splitting humor. Through a series of absurd yet endearing escapades, this classic short film showcases Keaton’s timeless talent and his ability to win the day, not only as a master plumber but also as Elsie’s unexpected hero.