BALL OF FIRE

A group of professors working on a new encyclopedia while living in a Manhattan mansion take in a mouthy nightclub singer who is wanted by the police to help bring down her mob boss lover.

Barbara Stanwyck delivers a domineering performance in Howard Hawks’ delectable romcom, but Cooper provides the innocent sounding board for her screwball antics. A loose (very loose!) adaptation of Snow White, the movie follows Stanwyck’s memorably-named Sugarpuss O’Shea, a cabaret singer who seeks refuge with the mob on her tail. She finds it with a group of geeky professors working on a sprawling encyclopedia project, with Cooper’s Professor Bertram researching American slang.

While Sugarpuss brings some spice to the professors’ existence, Bertram’s brainy, good-natured ways ultimately rub off on the troublemaking performer and lead her to rethink her old life. Cooper’s performance as sweet, lovable bookworm is among his most endearing turns.

Other Films in The GARY COOPER FESTIVAL

THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES | Get Tickets

HIGH NOON | Get Tickets