A Star Is Born (1937)
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The story
Farm girl Esther Victoria Blodgett moves to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress despite her family's discouragement. After facing initial rejection from casting companies, she befriends an out-of-work assistant director who helps her secure a waitressing job at a high-profile party. There, she catches the attention of Norman Maine, a beloved but struggling actor battling alcoholism. Norman eventually uses his influence to secure Esther a screen test with his producer. Impressed by her potential, the producer offers her a contract and a new stage name, setting her on the path to overnight stardom as her career begins to soar.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Esther Victoria Blodgett moves to Hollywood to become an actress. After being rejected by casting agencies, she meets assistant director Danny McGuire, who gets her a waitressing job at a party. There, she meets Norman Maine, a fading star struggling with alcoholism. Norman helps Esther get a screen test, leading to a contract and the name 'Vicki Lester.' She becomes an overnight success in the film 'The Enchanted Hour' while Norman's career declines. The couple elopes and enjoys a honeymoon, but Esther's fame continues to rise while Norman's career falters. Norman eventually relapses into drinking. During a celebration for Esther winning an Academy Award, a drunken Norman interrupts her speech and slaps her. After a stay in a sanatorium, Norman goes on a drinking binge and is arrested for drunk driving. Esther pleads for his custody, and the judge grants it. Esther decides to sacrifice her career to help him, but Norman overhears her plan and commits suicide by drowning in the Pacific Ocean. Devastated, Esther prepares to leave Hollywood until her grandmother reminds her of Norman's love letter. Esther decides to stay in the industry and announces her new identity as 'Mrs. Norman Maine' at the premiere of her next film.
- First release year
- 1937
- Runtime (minutes)
- 111
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- William A. Wellman
- Writers
- William A. Wellman · story; Robert Carson · story; Dorothy Parker · screenplay; Alan Campbell · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Janet Gaynor · Esther Victoria Blodgett / Vicki Lester; Fredric March · Norman Maine; Adolphe Menjou; May Robson; Andy Devine; Lionel Stander; Owen Moore
- Genres
- drama; romantic drama
- Themes
- Stardom; Alcoholism; Sacrifice; Fame vs. Reality
- Tone and mood
- Dramatic; Melancholic; Romantic
- Premise and plot tags
- Hollywood; Actors; Alcoholism; Drama
- Source material / true-story basis
- What Price Hollywood? (1932)
- Content notes
- Alcoholism
- Reception
- Contemporary reviews were very positive, describing it as a powerful human interest drama and a smash. It was the first film to show that films about Hollywood could be successful.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 7.7/10 · scale: 10 · review count: 23
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Writing (original story) · 1937 · Win; Academy Award · color photography · 1937 · Honorary Win
- Production trivia
- Janet Gaynor's Oscar in the film was her actual Academy Award.; The film contains inside jokes about Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, and Mae West.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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