Writing

Oliver Drake

Born May 28, 1903 · Boise, Idaho, USA

Died August 19, 1991 · aged 88

Oliver Drake was an American screenwriter and director, primarily known for his contributions to the Western genre. Over his career, he wrote and directed numerous low-budget Westerns, including Today I Hang (1942). Drake's work was instrumental in shaping the B-Western film landscape during the 1930s and 1940s.

Known For

Sharad of AtlantisSharad of Atlantis · 1936
Sharad of Atlantis
4.41936
MovieActionFantasy
Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)
Gun LawGun Law · 1929
Gun Law
8.01929
MovieDramaWestern
The Driscolls learn that the Brown family's homestead has valuable marble deposits under it, and they scheme to acquire the property. They and the Browns all learn that the land title was never filed with the county registration office, and it becomes a break-neck race between them and their henchmen, and the Browns' friend Tom O'Brien to get to the land-office first.
Roarin' LeadRoarin' Lead · 1936
Roarin' Lead
5.71936
MovieWestern
The Three Mesquiteers fight cattle rustlers.
The Mummy's CurseThe Mummy's Curse · 1944
The Mummy's Curse
5.51944
MovieHorrorFantasy
After being buried in quicksand for the past 25 years, Kharis is set free to roam the rural bayous of Louisiana, as is the soul of his beloved Princess Ananka, still housed in the body of Amina Mansouri, who seeks help and protection at a swamp draining project.
Forbidden TrailsForbidden Trails · 1941
Forbidden Trails
5.61941
MovieActionWestern
Two ex-cons plan to kill the range rider marshal who sent them to prison and, when their plan fails, join forces with their former boss, a crooked saloon owner who has the same idea.
West of the DivideWest of the Divide · 1934
West of the Divide
5.21934
MovieActionWestern
Ted Hayden impersonates a wanted man and joins Gentry's gang only to learn later that Gentry was the one who killed his father.
Outlaw TreasureOutlaw Treasure · 1955
Outlaw Treasure
9.01955
MovieWestern
When two outlaw gangs team up to rob gold shipments, the U.s. Army sends their ace-troubleshooter, Dan Parker, to the area. Sam Casey, the mystery-man behind the gangs, kills Parker's father, and this induces his sweetheart, Rita Starr, to side with the law-and-order faction. An attempt by Casey to kill Rita is foiled by Parker, which leads to a widespread gun-battle. Written by Les Adams
Dragoon Wells MassacreDragoon Wells Massacre · 1957
Dragoon Wells Massacre
7.21957
MovieWestern
A cavalry officer, the sole survivor of an Indian attack, and a wagon load of prisoners travel through hostile Indian country.

Filmography

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Sharad of AtlantisSharad of Atlantis · 1936
Sharad of Atlantis
4.41936
MovieActionFantasy
Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)

Screenplay

Lightning TriggersLightning Triggers · 1935
Lightning Triggers
10.01935
MovieWestern
Reb Russell (Reb Russell), undercover agent for the Cattleman's Protective Association, goes into the stronghold hideout of rustler chief Bull Thompson (Fred Kohler) posing as an outlaw. He falls in love with Marion, Bull's step-daughter. Juan (Dick Botiller), a gang member once jailed by Reb, reveals Reb's true identity, but he will be given his and Marion's freedom to leavy the valley if he can beat Thompson in a fight. He does, but Butch Greer (Jack Rockwell), a gang member trying to take over from Thompson leads the gang after the pair, after first revealing to Thompson that Reb is Thompson's own son, whom he last saw as a baby when Thompson, then known as Big Bill Russell,was forced to flee the law. Thompson and loyal gang member Blackie (Edmund Cobb), who was once helped by Reb, go after the gang in an effort to help Reb and Marion escape.

Screenplay