Johnny Eager 1942

Johnny Eager

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78%

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User Ratings: 527
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Johnny Eager Photos

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Movie Info

After Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor) is released from jail, the unreformed gangster fools his parole officer (Henry O'Neill) into believing his ways are changed. In actuality, Eager wants to return to racketeering by opening a dog-racing track, but the man who put him behind bars (Edward Arnold) is in the way. When that man's stepdaughter (Lana Turner) falls for Eager, the crook uses her as leverage to get what he wants. In this world of deceit, Jeff Hartnett (Van Heflin) is Eager's only friend.

Cast & Crew

Robert Taylor
John "Johnny" Eager
Lana Turner
Lisbeth "Liz" Bard
Edward Arnold
John Benson Farrell
Van Heflin
Jeff Hartnett
Robert Sterling
Jimmy Courtney
Patricia Dane
Garnet
Glenda Farrell
Mae Blythe Agridowski
Barry Nelson
Lew Rankin
Henry O'Neill
A.J. Verne
Charles Dingle
A. Frazier Marco
Mervyn LeRoy
Director
John W. Considine Jr.
Producer
Mervyn LeRoy
Producer
John Lee Mahin
Screenwriter
James Edward Grant
Screenwriter
Bronislau Kaper
Original Music
Harold Rosson
Cinematographer
Albert Akst
Film Editor
Cedric Gibbons
Art Director
Edwin B. Willis
Set Decoration
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Critic Reviews for Johnny Eager

All Critics (3) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (1) | Rotten (2)

  • Mr. Taylor won't toughen up. He's too nice to be a melodramatic mobster, and he shows it. Lana Turner is similarly handicapped: Metro has swathed her best assets in a toga, swears that she shall become an actress, or else.

    February 27, 2018 | Full Review…

    James Agee

    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic

  • Mervyn LeRoy's picture is more a melodrama than a crime-gangster due to star Robert Taylor and the studio behind it (MGM), but it's worth seeing for Van Heflin's Oscar performance as the cynical alcoholic given to philosophical observations.

    September 29, 2009 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

    Emanuel Levy

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Nothing can save this syrupy crime melodrama from its eagerness to please as a romantic sudser.

    December 26, 2004 | Rating: C | Full Review…

    Dennis Schwartz

    Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
View All Critic Reviews (3)

Audience Reviews for Johnny Eager

  • Nov 12, 2019
    Wow! The sexual energy between Lana Turner and Robert Taylor shoots off the screen. Taylor serves up a fascinating portrayal of a sociopathic mobster. Van Heflin is interesting, too, as a close friend with repressed homosexual feelings for Taylor.
    Aldo G Super Reviewer
  • Feb 19, 2010
    Great gangster flick from start to finish
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 26, 2008
    a surprisingly good film with one of the most beautiful screen couples i've seen in lana turner and robert taylor. these two aren't noted for their acting skills but they manage all right, especially taylor playing a dashing but amoral thug. what makes the film work however is the startling performance of van heflin as johnny eager's best friend, an alcoholic intellectual type who is pretty obviously in love with johnny. he's the pivotal character bringing the flat performances of the two leads to life and making eager's redemption in the last act believable. one of the best and most sympathetic portrayals of a gay character in classic hollywood and heflin well deserved his only academy award
    Stella D Super Reviewer
  • Feb 23, 2008
    Tough little actioner, Lana never more beautiful. Van Heflin excellent in support. Worthwhile
    jay n Super Reviewer
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