MovieChat Forums > The Big Shot (1942) Discussion > Missed Opportunity With Irene Manning

Missed Opportunity With Irene Manning

posted 14 years ago by joeparkson
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The big problem with this movie is Irene Manning. Stunningly beautiful, and in the plot, she's in a triangle with Duke and her shyster husband, she should have turned on the sex appeal or the director should have drawn out her sexy side.

Maybe Manning was more into music than acting, but here are just a few things she could have done:

1. She's married to a man she doesn't love; let's see a little disgust or at his embrace or kiss. (like Ida Lupino in "They Drive By Night")

2. She's obviously a trophy wife for the rich shyster, so let's see her as he sees her, an object of desire. (Like Lana Turner in "Postman Always Rings Twice")

3. She's in love with Duke; why doesn't she show it instead of just saying it?

Irene Manning had a great figure, nice legs, and petite size which was perfect for the short Warner Brothers leading men. Bogie looked huge standing next to her. She either didn't know how to release that sexuality or the director wasn't interested in showing it.

When I think of what Ida Lupino, Lana Turner or Virginia Mayo could have done with this part! A missed opportunity!

[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 14 years ago

Much better for Bogie than the majority of the bilge he was forced to act in prior to Maltese. Big Shot shot right after Maltese so for a B not squalid. Irene Manning, so what?

"What is the sound an imploding pimp makes?"
Alonso Semple McFlondheim

[–] joeparkson 14 years ago

I agree that this was better than most of Bogies earlier movies. This one was so well photographed, it just came so close to being on par with High Sierra. Had some good scenes, like when Bogie shared his milk w/ Lefty.