Review of Ball of Fire (1941) by Michael G — 04 Sep 2008
Such a fun movie with a hell of a lot of talent stuffed into it. Barbara Stanwyck plays a burlesque queen hiding out from the cops in the company of 8 professors writing an encyclopedia. Eventual sparks fly between Gary Cooper (who plays the youngest one) and the screwball madness indicative of the early 40s ensues.
Stanwyck is fantastic as she delivers some of the snappiest dialogue around and as much as Gary Cooper usually bores me, he wasn't too unlikable here. Ball of Fire also has an incredible supporting cast with everyone from Dana Andrews to Henry Travers (Clarence from It's a Wonderful Life.
) Billy Wilder co-wrote the script impeccably and Gregg Toland shot it beautifully (the bungalow scene especially.) My only gripe is the rushed marriage angle of the story, but otherwise this is a great, even if unintended take of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Well worth the time.
This review of Ball of Fire (1941) was written by Michael G on 04 Sep 2008.
Ball of Fire has generally received very positive reviews.
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