A Star Is Born
Seen it?1976 | 140 min | Drama, Music, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won an Oscar and it made about 13 times its budget, though it had middling reviews (35% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.0 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved A Star Is Born or Purple Rain, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 20 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1976: an older pace and style.
Has-been singing idol John Norman Howard falls in love with young, up-and-coming songstress Esther Hoffman in Frank Pierson's version of the classic love story updated to the rock and roll era.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
35% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Song. Won 5 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Awards: Best Original Score – Motion Picture and 1 more. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$80 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 287K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Frank Pierson
- Barbra StreisandEsther Hoffman
- Kris KristoffersonJohn Norman Howard
- Gary BuseyBobbie Ritchie
- Oliver ClarkGary Danziger
- Venetta FieldsThe Oreos
- Clydie KingThe Oreos
- Marta HeflinQuentin
- M.G. KellyBebe Jesus
- Sally KirklandPhotographer
- Joanne LinvilleFreddie