---
title: "Great Balls of Fire!"
year: 1989
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/great-balls-of-fire-1989"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 11465
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 108
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Great Balls of Fire! (1989) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/great-balls-of-fire-1989

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Great Balls of Fire! is a film first released in 1989. Catalogued under Drama, History, Music. Produced and broadcast by Orion Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Discover the wild life and remarkable talent of 1950s musician Jerry Lee Lewis."

### Why Watch
- Explores the life of a legendary musician
- Features drama and music from the 1950s

### Caveats & Content Note
- Depicts controversial aspects of the subject's life
- Involves industry conflict and public condemnation
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with drama, industry conflict, and public scorn appropriate for its PG-13 rating.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, historical, musical

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/great-balls-of-fire-1989#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Jim McBride
- **Networks / Studios**: Orion Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Dennis Quaid** as *Jerry Lee Lewis*
- **Winona Ryder** as *Myra Gale Brown*
- **John Doe** as *J.W. Brown*
- **Stephen Tobolowsky** as *Jud Phillips*
- **Alec Baldwin** as *Jimmy Swaggart*
- **Lisa Blount** as *Lois Brown*
- **Trey Wilson** as *Sam Phillips*
- **Steve Allen** as *Steve Allen*
- **Michael St. Gerard** as *Elvis*
- **Mojo Nixon** as *James Van Eaton*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It tells the story of 1950s musician Jerry Lee Lewis.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in the US on 06/30/1989.

### Q: What genres does the film belong to?
It is classified as Drama, History, and Music.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is 1 hour and 48 minutes.

### Q: What is the rating of the film?
The film is rated PG-13.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Great Balls of Fire! — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/11465)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*