The Ready for Big Screen Players
9. Molly Shannon
OK, a bit of a protest vote here along with an admission that Shannon's film
career has not exactly been stellar. Still, she makes the list for two reasons.
One, she shined in a starring role in "Year of the Dog" and in a supporting role in the recent "Marie Antoinette
... more." These performances mark a certain
fearlessness also on display in her "SNL" days. Shannon's pratfalls as confused
Catholic schoolgirl Mary Katherine Gallagher were at least as good as anything
from Chevy Chase's Gerald Ford catalog. The second reason
for Shannon's inclusion is to note and knock the meager development of female
"SNL" talent over the years (Tina Fey notwithstanding). It's nothing short of a
crime that Gilda Radner's career as a leading lady amounted to
just two forgettable films with husband Gene Wilder. We hope that if this list is recompiled
in a few years you'll see names like Amy Poehler and especially Kristen Wiig mentioned for well-written starring
roles. (John Spellman / Retna Ltd.) Close 
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