Ball of Fire
RKO Radio Pictures | Release Date: January 9, 1942 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
78
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Terrific, crackling dialogue, especially in the slangy, machine-gun mouth of La Stanwyck. Read full review
100
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
A classic comedy. [25 May 2007, p.C7]
100
USA TodayMike Clark
Boasts a classic screwball script by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. [10 May 1995, p.5D]
80
The New York TimesBosley Crowther
Mr. Goldwyn has turned out a very nice comedy, indeed. Read full review
80
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
Marvellous performance from Stanwyck, all snap, crackle and pop as the brassy nightclub entertainer Sugarpuss O'Shea. Read full review
80
Village VoiceCharles Taylor
The writing, as it is, is a marvel. The patter that flows forth whenever some regular Joe flaps his jaws is a wonder to hear. Garbagemen and waiters, pool hall bums and showgirls, newsboys and college boys — they’re all virtuosos singing the wisecracking arias Wilder and Brackett have given them. Read full review
78
Austin ChronicleLouis Black
One of the strangest riffs on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ever. Stanwyck is hot! Read full review
75
Chicago ReaderDon Druker
Howard Hawks's 1941 version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a delight. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesJustin Chang
It’s the sort of verbally dexterous farce you’d have to be a total Crabapple Annie not to enjoy. Read full review
70
Washington PostHal Hinson
This screwball comedy starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck isn't as well regarded as others in the genre, but even if it's not exactly top-drawer, it's still jazzy fun. [24 Dec 1987, p.D7]
50
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
A simple gag is hardly enough on which to string 110 minutes of film. And that's all - one funny situation - that Samuel Goldwyn's director and writers have to support Ball of Fire. It's sufficient, however, to provide quite a few chuckles. Read full review
50
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Rather shrill and tiresome.
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