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THE REVIEW
To escape the police, a dancer tied to the underworld accepts an unexpected job: acting as a consultant to a shy linguist on the slang of the underworld.
One of the most original and sparkling comedies of classic Hollywood, written by the genius Billy Wilder (with an eye on the Snow White fairy tale) and directed by Howard Hawks at his peak.
If Ball of Fire were a wine, we would say it is a vintage Hawks (we are in 1941). But it is not a real wine... it is champagne.
It is a sparkling and boisterous comedy, disenchanted, light-hearted, supported by a verve and liveliness, at times irresistible.
The forty-year-old Gary Cooper (Snow White) has been engaged for four years in writing an encyclopedia, assisted by his seven collaborators (the dwarfs) in the service of a cultural foundation.
Into their lives, as mentioned before, bursts Katherine O'Shea (or, the prince charming, the fabulous Barbara Stanwyck) the moll of boss Joe Lilac, nicknamed Sugarpuss. She is an attractive variety show dancer and, by chance, meets our hero, Bertram Potts (Potty) the professor, a shy and clumsy linguist, actually more charmed by the enthralling slang of the beautiful woman from the underworld than by the woman herself (at least until they go yum-yum).
The moll will completely upend the lives of Potts and the other scholars, a band of ancient yet still mischievous and lively old-timers, ready from the start to go above and beyond (x 7 = 28) for her, just to have her by their side.
The series of gags, jokes, situations is immeasurable and relentless. The “dwarfs” are adorable and formidable. Cooper himself, in a comedic role, not quite in line with his characteristics, performs admirably. Stanwyck, on her part, is so exuberant and brazen that she owns every scene she is in, portraying a modern female figure completely outside the box.
The film is directed by a master of comedy, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, with a steady hand and exquisite technique. From the long take to the reverse shot, it is simply a lesson in cinema, a classic indeed.
Watched it last night, on film, at a retrospective at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome.
Do you like movies?
Yes, but I prefer cinema.
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Summary by Bot
Ball of Fire is a vintage 1941 comedy directed by Howard Hawks and written by Billy Wilder. It stars Gary Cooper as a shy linguist and Barbara Stanwyck as a bold nightclub dancer. The film is praised for its sparkling humor, excellent performances, and masterful direction. The lively script and infectious energy highlight a timeless classic of Hollywood's golden era. It's a heartfelt recommendation for cinema lovers and classic comedy fans.
Howard Hawks
Howard Hawks (1896–1977) was an American film director celebrated for precision storytelling and mastery across genres, from screwball comedies and gangster films to westerns and film noir. He directed enduring classics including Bringing Up Baby, Scarface, The Big Sleep, Red River, and Rio Bravo.04 Reviews
