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Great Balls of Fire! (1989)

 -  Biography | Drama | Music  -  30 June 1989 (USA)
6.0
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Ratings: 6.0/10 from 9,380 users  
Reviews: 56 user | 21 critic

The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unconventional lifestyle often brought him... See full summary »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Myra Gale Brown
...
J.W. Brown
...
Jud Phillips
...
...
...
Himself
...
Lois Brown
Joshua Sheffield ...
Rusty Brown
Mojo Nixon ...
James Van Eaton
...
Roland Janes
David Ferguson ...
Jack Clement
Robert Lesser ...
...
Babe
Paula Person ...
Sam's Secratary
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Storyline

The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unconventional lifestyle often brought him into conflict with others in the industry, and even earned him the scorn and condemnation of the public. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Jerry Lee Lewis: He Rocked The Nation... And Shocked The World. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

Certificate:

PG-13 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

30 June 1989 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Great Balls of Fire  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Gross:

$13,741,060 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Sun Records Studio scenes for the film were shot in the legendary studio itself. See more »

Goofs

The song "Great Balls Of Fire" is shown climbing the Billboard charts to number one. The song only made it to number two. See more »

Quotes

[last lines]
Jerry Lee: Well, if I'm going to hell, I'm going there playing the piano.
See more »

Connections

Features Cold Turkey (1951) See more »

Soundtracks

"Crazy Arms"
Written by Ralph Mooney and Chuck Seals (as Charles Seals)
Performed by Jerry Lee Lewis
See more »

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User Reviews

Great music, good movie
22 June 2003 | by See all my reviews

I am usually too lazy to put in my review comments. But when I read some of the negative comments about this movie, I ad to make a stand. I came across this movie accidentally and I'm glad I did. I think it is one of the unsung great films on music and musicians. Based on the true life of Jerry Lee Lewis, the somewhat eccentric rock and roll genius from the 50s this movie has got soul. Most of the movies about artists end up portraying them as somewhat crazy, egomaniacs, always on the edge of a break down. But this movie has a very warm and light hearted take on Jerry's life. Throughout his ups and down his character comes out as a likable one whom you want to fall in love with. There's not a moment in the film where you would feel sad or annoyed by Jerry. And for this the kudos go to both Dennis Quaid and the director. For the reviewers who have labeled Dennis's portrayal as over the top, you guys don't have a clue who and what Jerry was. Dennis has nailed the spirited and buoyant soul that Jerry Lee Lewis was. I think the people who didn't like this film wanted to see a more serious and toned down film. But this is a film about rock and roll, and there's no better way to make it then it has been donw here. I give it a 9 out of 10. Go watch this immensely entertaining film!


29 of 34 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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