This is a very fun and nostalgic film with Mickey Rooney doing his best with a familiar storyline. Rooney once again plays a rebellious teenager, Johnny, who lives in an orphanage run by Father O'Hara ( Pat O'Brien ). Johnny runs away from the home and ends up stealing a pair of roller skates. A series of events has Johnny meeting Mary Reeves (Beverly Tyler ) a champion roller skater in the Roller Derby and she encourages Johnny to participate in the races. This eventually leads him to fame and fortune as a popular roller derby star. However as his star rises, so does his pomposity. Tragedy strikes when he contracts polio and it is Father O'Hara who supports and encourages him through the illness. With Mary and Father O'Hara to cheer him on, he over comes his fears and is reinstated on the team. Soon his old cockiness comes back, but to Father O'Hara's delight, Johnny helps a young skater succeed, showing him the same kindness he had received throughout his illness, thus learning the valuable lesson the Father had tried to teach him all along. The story moves at a good pace and is helped by actors Milburn Stone, James Brown and a very stunning, young Marilyn Monroe. Although her role is small, she leaves a lasting impression. Some also may be interested in seeing some of the on location scenes shot around parts of Los Angeles. Watching The Fireball is a very enjoyable ride into a past era with some classic stars of the day.
Review of The Fireball
