This article is a simple introduction to the movie “Great Balls of Fire!” released in 1989. It tells the story of controversial rock ‘n’ roll star Jerry Lee Lewis, with key roles played by Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder, and John Doe. Here, you’ll learn about where the movie was filmed, the filming dates, and discover some interesting behind-the-scenes facts and trivia.
Where it Filmed?
“Great Balls of Fire!” was filmed in a variety of locations. Some of these include Marion and West Memphis in Arkansas, USA, Memphis and Somerville in Tennessee, USA, and The Westbury Hotel in Mayfair, London, England, UK. The movie was filmed between October 31, 1988, and March 1989.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| 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 | Steve Allen |
| 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 Secretary |
| Valerie Wellington | Big Maybelle |
| Booker T. Laury | Piano Slim |
| Michael St. Gerard | Elvis |
| Carol Russell | Mamie Lewis |
| Crystal Robbins | Frankie Jean |
| Tav Falco | New Bass Player |
| Ryan Rushton | Young Jimmy Swaggart |
| Bert Dedman | Young Jerry Lee Lewis |
| Carl Bogan | Reporter #2 |
| Richard Crowe | Reporter #3 |
| Melisa J. Levine | Kreme Cup Girl |
| Cassie Pollard | Kreme Cup Girl |
| Mary Yeargin | Kreme Cup Girl |
| Bruce Stuart | Bank Teller |
| W.W. Painter | Onlooker |
| Jody Lynne | Party Doll |
| Joseph Woodward Jr. | Wedding Preacher |
| Linn Sitler | Realty Agent |
| Ashley Paige Cook | Mons |
| Sara Van Horn | Minnie Belle |
| Juliette Claire Spirson | Lewis Infant |
| John Mulrooney | Talk Show Host |
| Peter Cook | First English Reporter |
| Kim Smith | Second English Reporter |
| David Sibley | Third English Reporter |
| Jamila Massey | Bystander |
| Ryan Ward | Heckler #1 |
| Bejay Baddin | Teenage Girl #1 |
| Kelly Marcel | Teenage Girl #2 |
| Julie Balloo | Female Fan |
| Ruth Kettlewell | Dowager |
| John Tordoff | Cockney Porter |
| Keith McDaniel | Haney’s Big House Dancer |
| Stephanie Pope | Haney’s Big House Dancer |
| Lorraine Fields | Haney’s Big House Dancer |
| Rufus Thomas | Haney’s Big House Dancer |
| Maurice Miller | Haney’s Big House Dancer |
| Susan Lonergan | Rebel Room Dancer |
| Bonnie Beutler | Rebel Room Dancer |
| Chris Solari | Rebel Room Dancer |
| Snowy Winters | Rebel Room Dancer |
| Priscilla Harris | Honky-Tonk Angel |
| Kelli Clevenger | Dancer (uncredited) |
| Mary Healey-Pisano | Extra (uncredited) |
| Tike Kerby | Rebel Room Dancer (uncredited) |
| Darrell Kiedo | Haney’s Big House Dancer (uncredited) |
| Don Kopcial | Rebel Room Dancer (uncredited) |
| Danny Lee | Fan (uncredited) |
| Scott Sumers | Graceland Fan #1 (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
The film captures the life and career of Jerry Lee Lewis, a wildly controversial rock ‘n’ roll star. It was directed by Jim McBride, with the script written by Myra Lewis, Murray Silver Jr., and Jack Baran. It was critically recognized, receiving one win and one nomination at the time. Some more interesting facts about “Great Balls of Fire!” include the ensemble cast, with performances from Alec Baldwin, Steve Allen, Lisa Blount, Joshua Sheffield, Mojo Nixon, Jimmie Vaughan, David Ferguson, Robert Lesser, Lisa Jane Persky, and Paula Person.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Marion, Arkansas, USA
- Latitude: 35.2144374
- Longitude: -90.19721899999999
- Place ID: ChIJo-b3s32d1YcRzdxkHNLaqvk
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Marion, AR 72364, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
- Location Name: Somerville, Tennessee, USA
- Latitude: 35.2436969
- Longitude: -89.35007139999999
- Place ID: ChIJAwfnLm_6fogR9TRpUYQIrkI
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Somerville, TN 38068, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
- Location Name: The Westbury Hotel – Bond Street, Mayfair, London, England, UK
- Latitude: 51.51125889999999
- Longitude: -0.1426439
- Place ID: ChIJG-zC2DgFdkgRItYa8dBk-dE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 37 Conduit St, London W1S 2YF, UK
- Timezone: Europe/London
- Location Name: West Memphis, Arkansas, USA
- Latitude: 35.1465418
- Longitude: -90.18478619999999
- Place ID: ChIJv0dnQOBw1YcRVGSXE5EvCu8
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: West Memphis, AR, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
