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William A. WellmanA Star Is Born (1937)

Esther Blodgett (Janet Gaynor) is just another starry-eyed farm kid trying to break into the movies.
Waitressing at a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of alcoholic star Norman Maine (Fredric March), is given a test, and is caught up in the Hollywood glamor machine.
She and her idol Norman marry; but his career abruptly dwindles to nothing

This was also Lana Turner's film debut as an extra.


This movie is part of the collection: Feature Films

Director: William A. Wellman
Producer: David O. Selznick
Production Company: Selznick International Pictures
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Keywords: Drama
Contact Information: www.k-otic.com

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: keygrip - - September 11, 2009
Subject: stands the test of time
This is a true classic of the thirties which stands up well to better known 1954 version.With an excellent cast and great production values the film gives what was, for its time,a daring and accurate insight into the motion picture industry

Reviewer: jahzoone - - August 2, 2009
Subject: A Star Is Born
The title gives a hint to the storyline, but there's a price to pay. Fantastic film, it can be criticized for this reason or that, but the fact remains this is a timeless story and well worth watching!

Reviewer: SASKATCHEWAN - - July 7, 2009
Subject: Could have been great
The film moved a little too quickly, especially at the beginning. The pathos of Esther Blodgett looking for her big break truly makes one feel helpless inside, and Janet Gaynor is masterful at this. We could have used more.

Fredric March is always worth a watch.

When you think of the big names in the golden age of hollywood: BOGART, CAGNEY, DAVIS, GABEL, BERGMAN....where is MARCH?

Surely this brilliant man must be one of the most underrated actors in film history.

Reviewer: Lisuca - - May 26, 2009
Subject: VERY NICE!
This was so good its now on my ipod!! The end was surprising.....for the time.

Reviewer: jcliff - - February 11, 2009
Subject: love ya judy but!!
this is the best of a star is born then all the others.I will watch it again. I give it 5 stars.

Reviewer: malary - - February 6, 2009
Subject: Simply Terrific
This is one of the best films I've ever seen. Simply a classic! The two lead actors are perfect together and the script is amazing. I loved how Esther stood by her husband through it all; she is the picture of commitment. Great picture for people of all walks of life.

Reviewer: bearpuf - - December 23, 2008
Subject: Best of Them All
I think Eric's review of this movie hits the target. I was barely aware of Janet Gaynor until this viewing and totally enjoyed her performance as well as Fredric March's. Supporting roles by Adolph Menjou and Andy Devine were terrific as well.

Reviewer: ericthatsme - - December 13, 2008
Subject: The "Star" of them all!!
Most people who discuss "A Star is Born" often make reference to the 1954 Judy Garland version, or the 1976 Barbra Streisand version. It seems only a small group recalls this one at all. Those who do however know that by far this is the brightest star of them all. The cast is first rate with a bit of everything rolled in to create a truly first rate Hollywood picture.

Although the 1954, and 1976 versions are excellent in their own right, failing to view and experience this masterpiece would be like having cake without the icing, just leaving you feeling like the best part is missing.