The plot of this film has been repeated several times, both in remakes and new films such as last year's 'The Artist, which essentially has the same plot line. However, this new DVD release by Kino Lorber, is the superior film.
'A Star is Born' features Janet Gaynor who plays Esther Victoria Blodgett, aka Vickie Lester and Fredric March as Norman Maine. Janet stars as a young woman from a small town who dreams of Hollywood glory. March plays a famous actor who is drinking his way out of his Hollywood career.
When the two meet, they click and Maine gets Esther parts in his movies. This leads to her name change to Vicki Lester and a chance at the career she dreamed of. It also leads to a marriage between the up and comer and star who has lost his shine.
The marriage is true love for both of the stars, but the loss of Maine's career sends him into a binge that he might not recover from.
This film was remade in 1954 starring Judy Garland and James Mason, then again in 1976 with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, (this version was changed trying to set itself apart). If remakes weren't enough, there is yet another remake scheduled for 2013 directed and produced by Clint Eastwood starring Beyonce Knowles.
The original, produced by David O Selznick, ('Gone With the Wind'), will remain a classic that will never be recreated.
Gaynor's wide-eyed innocence combined with March's Hollywood hardness is the perfect combination that made 'A Star is Born' the fine film it is.
It is available in Blu ray and standard DVD. The blu ray has trailers, a gallery and a wardrobe test.
Kino Lorber is an excellent resource for foreign and classic films.
Purchase 'A Star is Born' 1937 here.
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