Ball of Fire and Gene Krupa's Drum Boogie

Watching this movie early n the A.M. and thinking about the seemingly off handed mastery of Howard Hawks.

The first time that I saw Ball of Fire I was around ten years old.  No VCRs at that point (or at least not widespread).  Our neighbors, the Knupfers, were friends with a guy who worked at a place in Wilmette called Films Incorporated, which would rent out 16mm prints.  He was able to get a copy of this and bring it over, where one summer we waited for nightfall and watched the movie in their backyard.  I have to say I don't remember the movie from that evening so much as the experience.  The specialness of watching something with friends and family in such a setting.

Which isn't to say I didn't enjoy the movie, I did and I do!  Anyone who loves language has to (add in Howard Hawks directing, Billy Wilder & Charles Brackett writing, Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, and Oskar Holmoka acting (among a treasure trove of character actors)).

One point I remember from that screening was how Barbara Stanwyck called the phone the "Ameche" because Don Ameche had just finished playing Alexander Graham Bell.  I fell in love with the idea that language was not set in stone but transmutable and elastic; stretching like a cultural taffy to change with whoever decided to change it.

Needles to say it led to a continued fascination with slang, dialects, and any sort of hip patois I can come across.

Watching it this morning though what struck me was the above scene.  Look at how Hawks films it- almost all in medium shots except for the cutaways to Stanwyck, and even there she is always presented as part of the larger band.  Look at the way the musicians sway to the music and look at each other in appreciation and smiles as they play.  This is such a contrast with some other big band shorts of the era where when they are not playing or soloing, the musicians look ahead stone faced and immutable- seemingly scared of the camera and each other.

This is a case of Hawks doing what he does best:  Showing the easy camaraderie of professionals who enjoy being able to work and play around each other.  It is infectious to watch.