A Star is Born (1954)

A Star is Born was released by Warner Brothers Pictures in 1954, starring the legendary Judy Garland and James Mason. The film was directed by George Cukor, who was famous for creating such classics as Camille, The Women, and My Fair Lady. It is also a musical remake of the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. A Star is Born tells the story of Norman Maine, a movie star who allows alcohol to start interfering with his career, discovers Esther Blodgett, a singer with her own "star quality". One night in a downtown Hollywood night club, he watches her perform and becomes instantly enamored with her. Maine helps Esther start her own career in movies while he puts his own on the backburner--it later crumbles. As the film goes on, the duo fall in love and eventually marry. Esther changes her name to Vicki Lester and her career continues to skyrocket. Norman, on the other hand, becomes "washed up" and goes on a downward spiral. Despite that, Esther stands by her husband. However, it slowly becomes clear that Norman's problems are ruining her life and he performs a final act of desperation to save Esther from spiraling downward along with him.

I thought I'd save this film for last. As a film student and aspiring historian, I finally caved in and purchased the new "deluxe edition" of this movie. It's a wonderfully sad film and falls under the umbrella of "Hollywood Stories". Stars shine bright, but stars can also fade within a quick snapshot. Both Judy Garland and James Mason give stellar performances. At the time of release, Mason was one of Hollywood's top leading men. Mostly known for villainous and debonaire roles, this was a change for James Mason. His performance of alcoholic, Norman Maine, echoes the great, yet short-lived career of John Barrymore. There's also a "Svengali-like" element; actor with brilliant caliber helps starlet become a highly successful star of her own kind. Garland really shows her triple-threat range of talent: singing, dancing, and acting. Throughout most of the movie, she commands the screen with guts, soul, and a hard working, tough-cookie exterior. Although I am a fan of the 1937 version as well, Garland's performance overshadows that of Janet Gaynor who portrayed Blodgett as mousy and then eventually, a weak damsel in distress. One of Garland's best moments is "The Man Who Got Away". She knocks the song "out of the ballpark" and like all her performances, she gives away a piece of herself each time. Next to The Wizard of Oz, I believe this is Judy Garland's 2nd best film. After a few years of personal struggles, she made a comeback by returning to the screen in A Star is Born. The film garnered six Academy Award nominations including two for both her and James Mason. It also marked the highest peak in her career. Before her depature from films, she would go on to create two other notable performances in Judgment at Nuremberg and A Child is Waiting. For anyone who is huge fan of Judy Garland and her films, this "star" is indeed worth adding to your own personal film library. Until next time, I'll...


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--Screen Siren 23