Considering that it has torn the heart out of the novel on which it was based, it's perhaps not surprising that Oil for the Lamps of China is less interesting than its source; however, it is surprising that the film, on the whole, manages to be a moderately entertaining melodrama. Credit for its success lies largely with its fine cast and expert direction. Pat O'Brien received a very welcome change-of-pace role here that enabled him to get out of the enormous shadow of James Cagney for a while and prove that he was capable of carrying a picture on his own. He's a valuable asset for Oil, bringing a credibility to the part that the screenplay sorely lacks and, more importantly, making it possible for audiences to care for his character, despite the fanatical and often incomprehensible devotion he display for his employer. It's a strong, solid leading man performance. He is well matched by a lovely and equally solid turn from Josephine Hutchinson, and good supporting players such as Jean Muir, Donald Crisp and Arthur Bryan are also quite welcome. Mervyn LeRoy's direction is crisp and plays to the strengths of each scene; if he can't make the change of tone at the end believable, it's not his fault. With a better screenplay, Oil could have been a special film, but it still is worth a viewing.