Now we get into the meat of my first project. The original A Star is Born is universally considered a classic. How does it hold up though?

Despite being such a huge film buff, prior to starting this blog I had never seen any version of A Star is Born, unless you count What Price Hollywood?  Now after rewatching that I decided to continue in chronological order, meaning the 1937 A Star is Born came next.

It’s a strong film. The early part beautifully captures the wide-eyed idealism that brings many people from other parts of the country to pursue their Hollywood dreams, Vicky’s abrupt journey to stardom illustrates the sort of luck/fate people must ultimately hope for to become an A-list star, Norman’s decline gets depicted via some stellar dialogue and powerful scenes, and the ending (the part with the grandmother speaking with Vicky and the subsequent part with Vicky in public) is pitch perfect.   Tying the whole plot together is Vicky and Norman’s unconditional love and the sacrifices they’ll make for each other.

My only problem with the film, however, is a huge one. Janet Gaynor and Fredric March have no chemistry. They play their respective parts beautifully, but I just wasn’t invested in their romance. Simply felt like an older man and a younger woman brought together by the plot.

FInal Verdict: It’s a good movie.  If it were the only version of A Star is Born I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

It’s far from the only version though. Keep reading and you’ll see which one is my favorite! Maybe the very next one?