Synopsis
A Star is Born is a 1937 American Technicolor romantic drama starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. North Dakota farm girl Esther Victoria Blodgett yearns to become a Hollywood actress, but her father and mother discourage such thoughts. But, Esther's grandmother gives Esther her savings to follow her dream. Esther goes to Hollywood and tries to land a job as an extra with her chances of becoming a star one in 100,000. She is told that the casting agency has stopped taking applications. Then, Esther meets Danny McGuire (Andy Devine), a new resident at her boarding house. Danny escorts her to a concert where Esther meets Norman Maine (Fredric March) whom she has admired as a major star for years, although his alcoholism has sent his career into a downward spiral. While working at a waitressing job at a fancy Hollywood party, Esther catches the eye of Norman (Fredric March) and she is given a screen test through Norman's long-time producer Oliver Niles (Adolphe Menjou) and Oliver gives her a new name, Vicki Lester. When Norman has trouble finding a female lead for his current film, Norman persuades Oliver to cast Esther. The film makes her an overnight success. Norman proposes to Esther and they elope to the mountains without publicity. Esther's popularity continues to rise while Norman's success declines due to his drinking. Esther intervenes and persuades a judge to let her be responsible for Norman's rehabilitation, but things do not end well. Esther quits show business and returns home. A letter which Norman sent to her grandmother when he and Esther were married is given to Esther. The letter changes everything for Esther, and the movie's ending is emotional and tearful. This is a real gem of a movie which has been produced and released many times over the years. One never tires of watching and re-watching this famous and timeless film!