The Fireball

See the full list of The Fireball cast and crew including actors, directors, producers and more.

With three Hollywood legends and its slam-em-over-the-handrail, roller-speedway realism. Filmed when Roller Derby was one of TV's most watched programs, this little entertainment steamroller remains a snappy jumbo popcorn treat for today's viewers, full of fabulous star wattage.

Mickey Rooney is The Fireball in this independently produced sports film. The sport in this case is roller-skating, which was enjoying a resurgence of popularity in 1950 thanks to the various "Roller Derby" telecasts.

Johnny Casar (Mickey Rooney), a moody and angry young man, lives at a Catholic orphanage run by a kindly priest (Pat O'Brien). After running away one night, Johnny lands a job as a dishwasher. One afternoon he attends a roller derby match and catches the eye of skater Mary Reeves (Beverly Tyler). Under her training, Johnny becomes a world-class skater whose talent is rivaled only by his arrogance. As he womanizes and bullies his way to the top, Johnny's health takes a turn for the worse.

Whenever I think of the Roller Derby I usually picture tough Derby Girls and a theatricality similar to WWF wrestling. I've never really thought of it as a true sport or one that men play for that matter, until I saw the Mickey Rooney film, The Fireball.

A clip from the movie!

Overview of The Fireball, 1950, directed by Tay Garnett, with Mickey Rooney, Pat O'Brien, Beverly Tyler, at Turner Classic Movies

These are the 6 short scenes from the 1950 film 'The Fireball' starring Mickey Rooney that Marilyn had a bit part in. This is ultra-rare, rarely seen footage...

Directed by Tay Garnett. With Mickey Rooney, Pat O'Brien, Beverly Tyler, James Brown. Johnny runs away from Father O'Hara's orphanage and becomes a roller skating star with the help of Mary Reeves. He becomes involved with women, including Polly, who only love him because he is a champion, not, as with Mary, out of love for him. Then he gets polio.

The Fireball is a 1950 American drama film starring Mickey Rooney and Pat O'Brien, and directed by Tay Garnett.