A Star Is Born (1937)
1h 51m | PG-13
Esther Blodgett is just another starry-eyed farm kid trying to break into the movies. Waitressing at a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of her idol Norman Maine, is sent for a screen test, and before long attains stardom as newly minted Vicki Lester. She and Norman marry, though his career soon dwindles to nothing due to his chronic alcoholism.
Director: William A. Wellman
Studio: Selznick International Pictures
Genre: Drama, Romance
Video: 720p
Cast
Janet Gaynor
as Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester
Fredric March
as Norman Maine
Adolphe Menjou
as Oliver Niles
May Robson
as Lettie Blodgett
Andy Devine
as Danny McGuire
Lionel Stander
as Matt Libby
Reviews
Janet Gaynor was at the top of her game with the almost Dickens' inspired name "Esther Blodgett" - an aspiring actress who moves to Hollywood and happens upon a drunken, self-destructive "Norman Maine" (Fredric March) as she waitresses at a party. His star is definitely on the wain, but he sees something in her and before long she is topping the bill. No singing in this version, which I think makes it a grittier adaptation of the story. Oddly enough, I find that the colour is quite distracting - it would have looked much better in black and white. That said, the dialogue is sharp and the pace likewise and it's an enjoyable watch.