The Stars Aligned in The Original ‘A Star Is Born’ (From Way Back in 1937)

Every generation gets the A Star Is Born they deserve. Today’s hunk du jour Bradley Cooper gets to discover today’s mega-pop star Lady Gaga. In 1976, rugged bearded beauty Kris Kristofferson dug up diamond in the rough Barbra Streisand from out of nowhere. In 1954, velvety-voiced James Mason sung the unknown praises of Judy Garland. Mostly forgotten, until now, is the original, less musically oriented, 1937 version by William A. Wellman (a man who directed 80 films, including one called The Boob).

Do the names Fredric March and Janet Gaynor ring any bells? Probably not, but 81 years ago, they were Bradley and Gaga, and Kris and Babs, and James and Judy of that time. Did you know March was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two? Or that Gaynor was nominated for two, and won one – THE very first ever Best Actress award at the 1929 ceremony (honoring her for three different acting performances – and that would be the one and only time the Academy would reward multiple performances for the award). Wellman’s Wings was named Outstanding Picture at the very same, 1st ceremony! In fact, 1937’s Star was THE very first all-color film to be nominated for Best Picture, was nominated for six more awards, and netted two statues (one for Writing – Original Story, and a special award for color photography) at the 10th Academy Awards.

But awards are meaningless. This movie is meaningful.

When it comes to films about Hollywood, this version of A Star Is Born should be as highly regarded as other vital works such as Sunset Boulevard, Singing In The Rain, and to some extent The Player, The Artist, and even The Disaster Artist. Just don’t compare the 1937 version to any of the ones that followed, which essentially tell the same old story. The original A Star Is Born shines on its own, for its time and place – as a time capsule of the glamorous Hollywood of yesteryear that we still yearn for, and the big studio way of life back then (where press agents were able to control the narratives about their stars, and keep all the bad stuff out of the news), told and shown by the people who lived through those times.

The 1937 version is the original, but not exactly original. It itself is a remake of sorts, of the 1932 pre-code (read: racier), black & white feature What Price Hollywood?, directed by George Cukor, who would later go on to direct the 1954 version of A Star Is Born. Both Star and What Price were produced by David O. Selznick (the ‘O.’ actually stood for nothing!). Yes, you may need a flow chart to figure out how all these Stars are exactly aligned to each other. At the heart of all of these fictions lies some truth. The most commonly known real life link is the marriage that fell apart between silent super star Colleen Moore (another name you probably never heard of, unless you’ve seen her fairy castle in Chicago) and her alcoholic producer husband John McCormick.

So what’s 1937’s A Star Is Born all about? Gaynor’s a North Dakota farm girl with the not-so-friendly marquee name of Esther Blodgett. She dreams of making it big in Hollywood, arrives with high hopes, but is quickly humbled like all the other wannabe starlets. Not even Central Casting (a real place!) has anything to offer but dashed dreams! But as fate would have it, she gets a one night gig (thanks to Andy Devine, one of the world’s most unique voices ever) working a fancy party and meets her matinee idol – March’s Norman Maine. Maine sees something in Esther (in addition to seeing a lot of alcohol go from a bottle to mouth), and quickly gets her in with his producing partner Oliver Niles (the man with a great name AND mustache – Adolphe Menjou). Esther is then given classes on balance, diction and a complete make-over, including a new name – Vicki Lester (btw, there was a real Vickie Lester, whose first role was in 1937!).

And before you can yell “ACTION!”, she gets to star opposite Maine in a feature. During a test screening, the exiting audience gives high praise of the bright-eyed newbie, but also mad disses on how tired they are growing of Mr. Maine and his off-screen booze-filled antics. This is where a star is… BORN!!! And sadly, where the sinking of the Maine begins. While her star starts to rise, his begins to dim. The two marry, and at first, she’s Mrs. Norman Maine, but not before too long, he becomes Mr. Vicki Lester. Where the rest of the film goes is utterly heartbreaking (oy, that Academy Awards scene!), and completely unforgettable, even 81 years later. Stars may fade, but movies are forever. Don’t forget the movies from yesterday that got us to today.

Do you mind if I take just one more look?

Don’t mind if we do, even if it’s your first look.

Where to stream A Star Is Born (1937)