Watch The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power

  • 1991
  • 1 Season

The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power is a compelling documentary series that explores the tumultuous history surrounding the global hunt for crude oil. Narrated by Emmy award-winning actor, Donald Sutherland, the eight-part series takes the viewer on a gripping journey through the international landscape of both politics and the oil industry.

The series begins by detailing the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859 and its rapid evolution into a valuable global commodity. From there, it examines the intense competition surrounding the oil industry during World War I and World War II, and the significant, often dangerous, lengths taken to secure oil for wartime purposes.

The Prize thoroughly examines the many political and social ramifications of oil's importance in international affairs, providing intriguing insight into the realities of oil diplomacy. Diplomats, political scientists, historians, and economists provide the audience with an array of perspectives on the many ways oil has played a role in shaping the modern world.

The series delves into the infamous oil embargoes of the 1970s, where the key players in the industry, including Russia, Japan, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other members of the Arab League, experienced global economic repercussions due to power plays surrounding this valued resource. This resulted in one of the most significant global economic events of the 20th century, an energy crisis that impacted the everyday lives of people worldwide.

Throughout The Prize, the audience is provided with interviews with influential and infamous figures in the oil and energy sectors, from industry tycoons to world leaders to the people who have suffered the most from the consequences of oil misuse. The series delves into the environmental impact of oil, causing oil spills, and the specific attention to the damage to oceans, flora and fauna, and the real dangers to humans and human rights in oil-producing countries.

The Prize is a comprehensive, often sobering look at the world of oil and the many people involved in pursuing it. It examines topics that are both engaging and vital to understanding the world's energy situation, and explores the vital role that oil plays in the world's economic engines. The series exposes the biggest challenges that oil faces now and in the future, while also providing the insider knowledge of experts on the subject.

The Prize takes an entirely objective approach to the topic, devoid of preconceived judgments on the people and countries involved, its primary goal being to educate the viewers about the real story behind the search for oil. This shows that The Prize is much more than just another documentary covering a popular topic. The series is a thorough examination of a complex industry, and the impact on all aspects of modern life, from politics and society to the planet itself.

The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power sets a new standard in documentary filmmaking, created with high production values and offering exceptional educational content. The series is an essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the critical role that oil plays in the modern global economy and how it has shaped our planet's destiny.

In conclusion, The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power is a gripping, informative, and thoroughly engaging documentary series that examines the international world of oil throughout modern history with a keen eye for detail and captivating storytelling. It provides an unbiased, comprehensive look at one of the most essential subjects to world economics, politics and human rights, which makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of oil on our world.

The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on December 31, 1991.

Filter by Source

Seasons
New Order of Oil
8. New Order of Oil
January 1, 1992
As concerns of oil supply lead producers and politicians to look for other domestic oil sources, oil companies also face incredible environmental scrutiny after the Exxon Valdez tanker catastrophe
The Tinderbox
7. The Tinderbox
January 1, 1992
A conference in Tehran brings OPEC nations to the table with oil companies, allowing the nations to have a say in setting the price of oil. This power was used as a weapon in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, resulting in drastic cuts in oil production and an energy crisis in the United States.
Power to the Producers
6. Power to the Producers
January 1, 1992
The growth of the suburbs and car culture was fueled by oil surplus and low prices, but those conditions were threatened as oil producing nations began to fight back against oil companies operating with impunity, culminating in the formation of OPEC
Crude Diplomacy
5. Crude Diplomacy
January 1, 1992
Following World War II and questions about future oil supplies, the Allied nations move towards friendly relationships with a growing oil power, Saudi Arabia
War and Oil
4. War and Oil
January 1, 1992
Oil becomes a strategic resource in the Second World War, starting with a US embargo that cut off Japanese oil supplies after their invasion of Indochina
The Black Giant
3. The Black Giant
January 1, 1992
The introduction of the internal combustion engine and the expansion of roads across the country led to more demand on oil supply
Empires of Oil
2. Empires of Oil
January 1, 1992
Standard Oil, through the ruthlessness of Rockefeller, became a far reaching and monopolistic empire of oil
Our Plan
1. Our Plan
December 31, 1991
The first oil wells and entrepreneurs are the foundation on which the enormous oil industry has been built.
Description
Where to Watch The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Prize: An Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    December 31, 1991