Great Balls of Fire!

Great Balls of Fire!

Year: 1989

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Jim McBride

BiographyDramaMusic

This explosive biopic chronicles the extraordinary career of Jerry Lee Lewis, tracing his ascent to rock 'n' roll stardom. Driven by a fiery personality and a hunger for success, Jerry abandons his gospel beginnings to embrace a more controversial sound. As his fame grows, he faces moral dilemmas and the consequences of a scandalous relationship with a young woman, jeopardizing his burgeoning career and reputation.

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Timeline – Great Balls of Fire! (1989)

Trace every key event in Great Balls of Fire! (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

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.

1956
2

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.

1956-1958
3

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.

4

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.

Mississippi
5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

1958 England
8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:38

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Great Balls of Fire! Summary

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Great Balls of Fire! Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Great Balls of Fire!

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