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Poster for A Star Is Born

A Star Is Born

Seen it?

1937 | 111 min | Drama, Romance

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

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 Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1937: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Esther Blodgett is just another starry-eyed farm kid trying to break into the movies. Waitressing at a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of her idol Norman Maine, is sent for a screen test, and before long attains stardom as newly minted Vicki Lester. She and Norman marry, though his career soon dwindles to nothing due to his chronic alcoholism.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Story. Also nominated for 6 more Oscars and 1 Venice award. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; interest faded quickly after launch

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 184K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by William A. Wellman

  • Janet GaynorEsther Blodgett
  • Fredric MarchNorman Maine
  • Adolphe MenjouOliver Niles
  • May RobsonLettie Blodgett
  • Andy DevineDanny McGuire
  • Lionel StanderMatt Libby
  • Owen MooreCasey Burke
  • Peggy WoodMiss Phillips
  • Elizabeth JennsAnita Regis
  • Edgar KennedyPop Randall