Films

 

Johnny Eager (MGM 1942)

Lana with Robert Taylor in "Johnny Eager" (1942). PHOTO SOURCE: Corbis.

Production Dates: September 2, 1941-October 28, 1941

Release Date: January 17, 1942.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Robert Taylor, Van Heflin, Edward Arnold.

Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy

Writing Credits: James Edward Grant (story), John Lee Mahin and James Edward Grant (screenplay)

Produced by: John W. Considine Jr. and Mervyn LeRoy

Original Music by: Bronislau Kaper and Daniel Amfitheatrof

Non-Original Music by: Ernie Burnett

Cinematography by: Harold Rosson

Synopsis: Small time hood Johnny Eager is trying his damnedest to convince his parole officer (and the world) that he is ready to walk the path of the straight and narrow-but can a leopard really change his spots?

My Review: From the moment that MGM began promoting this film as upcoming release, they wasted no time in playing up Lana's on screen sexual chemistry with costar Robert Taylor. The add campaign read as follows; "TNT: Turner and Taylor are Dynamite in Johnny Eager". This may have been true, but in reality Lana actually had a secondary role in a film that almost belonged to Taylor alone. She plays a sociology student who is studying Eager for a school project and in the process falls for him-hard. Because Turner and Taylor fit so well together, the film is saved from being a routine (and somewhat draggy) gangster film. When Robert Taylor takes Lana in his arms and simply says "I Love You", Johnny Eager goes from being a crook, a thief and a murderer to a small time hood-with a great big heart.

Every time I see one of Van's Heflin's performances on screen, I appreciate him more and more. He almost steals the show as Johnny's down and out alcoholic best friend. No matter how terribly Johnny treats him, this poor guy just keeps coming back for more. One contemporary reviewer points out that perhaps there is a homoerotic subtext between Jeff (Van Heflin's character) and Johnny which may not be too far off of the mark. Heflin won the audience sympathy with his performance and in the process won himself an Oscar.

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

*Van Heflin won an Oscar for his portrayal of the drunk in this film.

*Lana's on screen chemistry with co-star Robert Taylor was reportedly so hot and heavy that it started to spill over into real life. Taylor's then wife, Barbara Stanwyck was so angered at Lana for nearly seducing her husband that she never spoke to Lana again.

Purchase Johnny Eager:

VHS

 

Photo Gallery

Lana and Robert Taylor looking as if they may crack up at any minute. Johnny Eager, 1942.    More fun with Turner and Taylor in 1942's "Johnny Eager". Lou Valentino Collection.    Lana pouting in 1942's "Johnny Eager".    A lobby card for 1942's "Johnny Eager".    A lobby card for 1942's "Johnny Eager"    Lana and Robert Taylor behind the scenes of their only film together, "Johnny Eager" in 1942.   

 

 

 

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