A Star is Born (1937)

My Review

Janet Gaynor and Fredric March star in the classic show business tale “A Star is Born.” This is the story of a woman from a small town who comes to Hollywood and becomes a big star under the guidance of her husband, an established but fading star battling alcoholism. Her career skyrockets while his rapidly declines, with the drama proceeding from there. Director William A. Wellman (“The High and the Mighty” 1954) put together a fine melodrama from a screenplay by Dorothy Parker, Alan Campbell, and Robert Carson. Wellman developed the story with Carson.

The cast includes Janet Gaynor as Vicki Lester, Fredric March as Norman Maine, Adolph Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine, and Lionel Stander. The watchable “A Star is Born” was popular at the box office for producer David O. Selznick, Selznick International Pictures, and United Artists. It was filmed all around Southern California.

“A Star is Born” was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two – Best Original Story (Wellman, Carson) and Academy Honorary Award (W. Howard Greene for achievements in Technicolor cinematography). Non-winners include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (March), Best Actress (Gaynor), Best Screenplay Adaptation, and Best Assistant Director (Eric Stacey).

This film was inspired by “What Price Hollywood?” (1932) starring Constance Bennett. Three major remakes were released over the years with the same name – 1954 (Judy Garland, James Mason), 1976 (Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson), and 2018 (Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper). These three remakes were basically musical vehicles for the stars of each particular motion picture.