The life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.
The "Silicon Valley" star recounts his unforgettable run-in with Leo on the set of The Wolf of Wall Street.
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Title: Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
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1 win & 1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Dennis Quaid | ... | Jerry Lee Lewis | |
| Winona Ryder | ... | Myra Gale Brown | |
| John Doe | ... | J.W. Brown | |
| Stephen Tobolowsky | ... | Jud Phillips | |
| Trey Wilson | ... | Sam Phillips | |
| Alec Baldwin | ... | Jimmy Swaggart | |
| Steve Allen | ... | Himself | |
| Lisa Blount | ... | Lois Brown | |
 |
Joshua Sheffield | ... | Rusty Brown |
|
|
Mojo Nixon | ... | James Van Eaton |
| Jimmie Vaughan | ... | Roland Janes | |
|
|
David Ferguson | ... | Jack Clement |
| Robert Lesser | ... | Alan Freed | |
| Lisa Jane Persky | ... | Babe | |
|
|
Paula Person | ... | Sam's Secratary |
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Plot Summary
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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. In 1956, Louisiana bad boy Jerry Lee Lewis moves to Memphis, determined to dethrone Elvis Presley with his ferocious, God-given talent. When Jerry Lee bangs out the chorus with his feet, huge fans howl out for more. When he finishes his performance by setting his piano ablaze, they mob the stage. But when he marries his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown...the scandal nearly destroys the Killer's career. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
Plot Keywords:
1950s | child bride | title based on song | marriage between cousins | rise and fall |Taglines:
The music was hot. The man was wild. The name was Jerry Lee Lewis... and he was born to raise hell! See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
30 June 1989 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Great Balls of Fire See more »Edit
Box Office
Gross USA:
$13,741,060Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Written by Kurt Wood, James Kriegsman and Dave 'Baby' Cortez (as David Clowney)
Performed by Dave 'Baby' Cortez
Courtesy of Clock Records/Doug Moody Productions
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The original recording of the song "Honey Don't" by Carl Perkins, is heard in this film, and is a Sun Records label. See more »Goofs
There is a shot of the plane Jerry is flying in from England to the US. It clearly shows a TWA logo, yet when the shot jumps to Jerry coming off the plane, the plane changes from white to silver and from TWA to American airlines. However, the plane he flew across the ocean (London to New York) would not be the plane on which he landed in Nashville; there were no direct London-Nashville flights in the 1950s. See more »Soundtracks
Happy OrganWritten by Kurt Wood, James Kriegsman and Dave 'Baby' Cortez (as David Clowney)
Performed by Dave 'Baby' Cortez
Courtesy of Clock Records/Doug Moody Productions
See more »
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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!