MovieChat Forums > Oh, God! You Devil (1984) Discussion > Bobby Shelton's agent

Bobby Shelton's agent

posted 11 years ago by chihuahuaboydh-724-612855
1 reply | jump to latest

There's a particular scene in this movie that has me shaking my head: it's the scene where Bobby Shelton & his agent, Charlie Gray, are @ Astral Records corporate offices. As they're waiting in the lobby, Charlie says to his client"...all of a sudden, I get this call out of the blue...", meaning Astral's management. The question here is, if Charlie received a call from Astral's management, that implies they're interested in making a deal with Bobby. Why in hell (no pun intended) would Bobby go with Harry Tophet (a.k.a. The Devil) as his manager, if Charlie told Bobby Astral was already interested in arranging a deal? This scenario doesn't make sense! I know it's only a movie, but about the premise & all...

Larry Appleton: "I have..."
Balki Bartokomous: "Oh, God!"
Larry Appleton: "...a plan!"

[–] jztzt 11 years ago

I watched the scene again. Harry Tophet walked into the lobby and told Bobby to dump Charlie because he hadn't secured any success for him except for the occasional weddings and shallow gigs. Harry teased Bobby with prospects like concerts and gold records, which would be obtained after he dumps his agent. Harry told Bobby that it was his last chance to be a somebody. Bobby then admitted to Charlie that he hadn't been successful under his guidance and uneasily dismissed him.

Tophet had initially introduced himself to Bobby in a prior scene set at a wedding gig; basically selling the same agenda and temptations (even suggesting that he could finally afford to have a baby). Bobby was dismissive and skeptical at first but became a bit tempted. Harry also demonstrated his supernatural power, which showed that he has the power to do anything and get anything Bobby wants. That's probably why when Harry stepped into the lobby, Bobby gave him a bewildered look and accepted his offer without much reluctance, as he probably gave that conversation a second thought. Also, because meeting the two record executives was a big deal to Bobby, he didn't want to botch it, as he knew that Charlie would be a subpar negotiator.

"...sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.” ~ Cool Hand Luke