The Big Shot

The Big Shot is a 1937 American comedy film directed by Edward Killy from a screenplay by Arthur T. Horman and Bert Granet, based on a story by Lawrence Pohle and Thomas Ahearn. The film stars Guy Kibbee, Cora Witherspoon, Dorothy Moore, and Russell Hicks. Produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, the film premiered on July 23, 1937. Plot Bertram Simms is a veterinarian in a small town, who is quite content with his place in life. When he inherits a large estate and fortune from an unknown relative, he wants to continue living in the small town. His wife, Elizabeth, has other plans, wanting to see their daughter, Peggy, enter into high society in the city where Bertram's relative (an uncle) used to live. Upon their arrival in the uncle's mansion things do not seem to add up properly. Unbeknownst to the Simms, Bertram's uncle was the leader of a criminal gang. When Bertram is persuaded by Peggy's boyfriend, Chet, to purchase the newspaper that Chet works for which had been closed down by the gang, he restarts the paper's crusade to rid the city of its criminal element. When Elizabeth is conned into throwing a massive gala by the leader of the gang, Martin Blake, she believes the party will be the host to the crème de la crème of the city's society. During the party, Bertram is mistakenly identified as the leader of the city's criminal underworld. In spite of the misidentification, Bertram is cleared of any wrongdoing, and Blake and his men are apprehended by the police. Cast Guy Kibbee as Dr. Bertram Simms Cora Witherspoon as Elizabeth Simms Dorothy Moore as Peggy Simms Gordon Jones as Chester "Chet" Scott Russell Hicks as Martin Blake Frank M. Thomas as Murdock Dudley Clements as Honest John McQuade George Irving as Police Chief Maxine Jennings as Gloria Barbara Pepper as Mamie Tom Kennedy as Bugs John Kelly as Deuces Eddie Gribbon as Soapy Al Hill as Spots Donald Kirke as Johnny Cullen