The Big Shot 1942
"HUMPHREY BOGART as the Last of the Racket Barons... the Big Shot of 'em all!"
In *The Big Shot (1942)*, Humphrey Bogart delivers a gripping performance as Duke Berne, a former crime kingpin now reduced to a desperate cycle of failure.
Director: Lewis Seiler
Cast
Humphrey Bogart
Joseph 'Duke' Berne
Irene Manning
Lorna Fleming
Richard Travis
George Anderson
Susan Peters
Ruth Carter
Stanley Ridges
Martin T. Fleming, Attorney
Minor Watson
Warden George Booth
Chick Chandler
Frank 'Dancer' Smith
Joe Downing
Frenchy
Howard Da Silva
Sandor
Murray Alper
Quinto, a Convict
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Shot (1942) about?
*The Big Shot* follows Duke Berne, a hardened criminal facing a life sentence if convicted for a fourth time. Pressured by his former associates, he reluctantly agrees to one last armed robbery, setting off a chain of events that tests his loyalty and survival instincts. The film dives into the psychological toll of a life built on crime and the choices that lead to irreversible consequences.
Who directed The Big Shot?
Lewis Seiler directed *The Big Shot (1942)*, bringing a sharp eye for crime drama and atmospheric tension to the film.
Who stars in The Big Shot?
The main cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Irene Manning, Richard Travis, Susan Peters, and Stanley Ridges, with Minor Watson rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Big Shot (1942) worth watching?
With Humphrey Bogart at his most compelling, *The Big Shot* delivers a tense, character-driven crime drama that fans of classic noir will appreciate. While not as widely remembered as some of Bogart's other roles, its gritty storytelling and moral dilemmas make it a solid pick for 1940s crime film enthusiasts.
How long is The Big Shot?
The runtime for *The Big Shot* is 82 minutes, offering a tight, engaging narrative perfect for a single viewing session.
🎥 Trailer
About The Big Shot (1942) — Humphrey Bogart in a gripping crime drama of one last heist
In *The Big Shot (1942)*, Humphrey Bogart delivers a gripping performance as Duke Berne, a former crime kingpin now reduced to a desperate cycle of failure. With his criminal past looming large and a fourth offense threatening a lifetime behind bars, Berne hesitates—but when old allies push him toward one last armed robbery, his fate hangs in the balance. Directed by Lewis Seiler, this crime drama crackles with tension as it explores themes of redemption, desperation, and the inescapable grip of a life of crime. Set against the gritty backdrop of mid-century America's underworld, the film blends raw atmosphere with sharp character drama, capturing the moral decay and high-stakes choices of its protagonist.
The story unfolds with relentless momentum, showcasing Bogart's signature intensity as he balances cunning with vulnerability. Irene Manning shines as a key figure in Berne's tumultuous world, while Stanley Ridges and Minor Watson add layers of authority and menace. As the heist plan takes shape, the film asks whether Berne's last shot at glory will be his salvation or his undoing—a question rooted in the era's noir-tinged morality.
