Great Balls of Fire! 1989
Directed by
Jim McBride
Made by
Orion Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Great Balls of Fire! (1989). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Jerry Lee Lewis, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, is a dynamic piano player who stands out during the early years of rock and roll from 1956 to 1958, a time when most artists favored guitar. He is a multifaceted individual: a remarkably talented performer struggling with discipline and grappling with alcoholism. As Jerry Lee climbs the charts with chart-toppers like “Crazy Arms”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, and “Great Balls of Fire”, he falls deeply in love with Myra Gale Brown, played by Winona Ryder, the 13-year-old daughter of his first cousin and bass player, J.W. Brown, portrayed by John Doe. In a surprising twist, Jerry Lee elopes with Myra in Mississippi, a union that angers her parents immensely.
Adding to his complexities, Jerry Lee’s relationship with his second cousin, televangelist Jimmy Swagger, played by Alec Baldwin, is fraught with tension during this tumultuous period. Jimmy, a struggling Pentecostal preacher, finds himself at odds with Jerry Lee’s reckless rock and roll lifestyle, leading to some rather uncomfortable confrontations. The now financially thriving Jerry Lee tries to mend fences by gifting his cousin a new car, which prompts Jimmy to praise the Lord, to which Jerry Lee quips, > “Don’t thank Jesus, thank Jerry Lee Lewis!”
While touring in England in 1958, the facade crumbles when a reporter reveals that Jerry Lee is married to underage Myra Gale. This shocking discovery leads to public outcry, painting him as a child molester and pervert, forcing him to face the wrath of his audience and resulting in an abrupt end to his tour as he is deported back to the United States. Despite his confidence in his continued success, the accompanying scandal proves to be a heavy burden.
As record sales plummet and audiences dwindle, Jerry Lee resorts to heavy drinking. His frustration mounts when asked to issue a public apology in Billboard, leading to increasing volatility in his relationship with Myra. Amidst one of their tumultuous episodes, Myra reveals that she is pregnant, prompting Jerry Lee to collapse in despair, crying in her arms.
In a desperate bid for redemption, Jerry Lee, along with Myra, attends one of Jimmy’s church services. During the altar call, Jimmy extends an olive branch, offering Jerry Lee a chance to reconcile with God, but Jerry Lee defiantly declines, exclaiming, > “If I’m going to Hell, I’m going there playing the piano!” As the story draws to a close, a caption before the credits reads, “Jerry Lee Lewis is playing his heart out somewhere in America tonight,” encapsulating his tumultuous yet passionate journey through life and music.
Timeline
Track the key events of Great Balls of Fire! (1989) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Early Years of Rock and Roll
In the mid-1950s, Jerry Lee Lewis emerges as a distinctive piano player in a rock and roll scene dominated by guitarists. His dynamic performances catch the attention of audiences and record producers alike, setting the stage for his explosive rise in the music industry.
Chart-Topping Success
Jerry Lee releases hit songs, including 'Crazy Arms' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On'. His unique style and energetic performances propel him to the top of the charts, solidifying his place as a rock and roll legend during this vibrant era.
Love for Myra Gale Brown
During his meteoric rise, Jerry Lee falls in love with Myra Gale Brown, the 13-year-old daughter of his cousin J.W. Brown. Their romance is passionate yet complicated, marked by the challenges of their familial ties and Jerry's rising fame.
Eloping with Myra
In a shocking turn of events, Jerry Lee elopes with Myra in Mississippi, defying social norms and enraging her parents. This impulsive decision brings both excitement and controversy to their lives as they navigate the fallout from their union.
Conflict with Jimmy Swagger
Jerry Lee's relationship with his second cousin, televangelist Jimmy Swagger, becomes strained as their lifestyles clash. Jimmy, a struggling preacher, confronts Jerry Lee about his reckless habits, leading to palpable tension during family gatherings.
Gifting a Car to Jimmy
In an attempt to mend their strained relationship, Jerry Lee gifts Jimmy a new car. This gesture prompts a moment of awkwardness as Jimmy praises the Lord, to which Jerry Lee humorously deflects the credit, showcasing his playful yet defiant personality.
Scandal in England
While on tour in England in 1958, a reporter uncovers Jerry Lee's marriage to underage Myra, igniting public outrage. This revelation leads to significant backlash, forcing him to end his tour prematurely and return to the United States amidst scandal.
Decline in Popularity
With record sales dwindling and audiences shrinking, Jerry Lee succumbs to heavy drinking as a coping mechanism. The pressures of fame and public disapproval take a toll on his personal life and career, leading to increasing frustration.
Pressure to Apologize
Jerry Lee faces immense pressure to publicly apologize in *Billboard*, which only heightens the tension in his marriage with Myra. The couple's relationship deteriorates further as the shame of the scandal looms over their lives.
Myra's Pregnancy
Amidst their struggles, Myra reveals that she is pregnant, which devastates Jerry Lee. Overcome with despair, he collapses in her arms, embodying the emotional turmoil that their situation has inflicted upon them both.
Seeking Redemption
In a last-ditch effort to find solace, Jerry Lee and Myra attend one of Jimmy's church services. During an altar call, Jerry Lee faces the opportunity for reconciliation with God but defiantly rejects it, illustrating his resolve to remain true to his musical identity.
Jerry Lee's Defiance
As Jimmy extends an olive branch, Jerry Lee declares, 'If I'm going to Hell, I'm going there playing the piano!' His passionate and unapologetic stance demonstrates the complexity of his character and his commitment to rock and roll.
Final Reflection
The story culminates with a poignant caption before the credits, indicating that Jerry Lee Lewis continues to play music somewhere across America. This remark encapsulates his enduring spirit and the tumultuous journey he has experienced throughout his life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Great Balls of Fire! (1989) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jerry Lee Lewis (Dennis Quaid)
Jerry Lee Lewis is a dynamic and talented rock and roll pianist whose career is marked by both brilliance and turmoil. He is charming yet self-destructive, battling personal demons like alcoholism and the complexities of his controversial relationships. His journey reflects the quintessential struggles of fame during a transformative era in music.
Myra Gale Brown (Winona Ryder)
Myra Gale Brown is portrayed as a young and passionate girl who becomes entangled in a tumultuous love affair with her cousin. Despite her innocence, her relationship with Jerry Lee showcases both the excitement of young love and the severe consequences of their choices. She embodies the struggles faced by women in the shadow of powerful male figures.
Jimmy Swagger (Alec Baldwin)
Jimmy Swagger, Jerry Lee's cousin, is a conflicted televangelist struggling to reconcile his faith with Jerry Lee's rock and roll lifestyle. His character represents the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during this period, grappling with themes of redemption and familial loyalty while disapproving of his cousin's choices.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Great Balls of Fire! (1989), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1956-1958
The film is set during the transformative years of rock and roll, from 1956 to 1958, a time when youthful rebellion and new musical styles began to dominate American culture. This era saw significant social and cultural shifts, which greatly influenced artists like Jerry Lee Lewis.
Location
Mississippi, England
The movie takes place in various settings, primarily Mississippi, where Jerry Lee Lewis elopes with Myra Gale Brown, and England, where his tour leads to scandal. Mississippi is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly in rock and roll, while England serves as a backdrop to the downfall of a rock star during the late 1950s.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Great Balls of Fire! (1989). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Passion
Jerry Lee Lewis's fervent dedication to his music is a central theme. Despite his struggles with alcoholism and the fallout from his controversial personal life, his passion for performing drives him. The narrative illustrates how this fervent love for music can both elevate and destroy.
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Controversy
The film delves into the theme of controversy surrounding Jerry Lee’s personal life, particularly his relationship with an underage girl. This brings to light the societal standards and moral outrage of the time, contrasting the rebellious, free-spirited nature of rock and roll with the realities of public perception.
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Redemption
Jerry Lee's journey is also marked by a quest for redemption, especially in his interactions with his cousin, the televangelist Jimmy Swagger. Through the highs and lows, Jerry Lee seeks forgiveness and understanding, highlighting the struggle between his musical identity and societal expectations.
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