Reviews (11)

Star Power
This film has a plot that is quite complicated to describe, although as the film progresses, it all makes sense. Essentially, Myrna Loy is an heiress suing a newspaper for libel (five million dollar lawsuit), and Spencer Tracy defends his newspaper by using fiancee Jean Harlow and writer William Powell to prove that the story his paper originally printed about Loy was actually true. Relationships then get very tangled as this comedy proceeds. The plot is fun, and some of the dialogue humourous, but the real strength is its star package. Jean Harlow gets some scenes where she cuts loose and shows the comedic range she possessed (might surprise you). Spencer Tracy plays the driven newspaperman with a lot of energy and edge. But it's really William Powell and Myrna Loy who own this film. What chemistry the two had on camera! Of course, they proved that in film after film, and this is a prime example. Witty, sophisticated, sexy are just some of the words for the two on screen. Powell in particular is in top form here, and as everyone notes about this film, his fishing scene is the highlight of the film. Star power is what this film is all about, with a complicated story and some good laughs thrown in for good measure.

Lots of fun!
This is a great movie and a 1930's classic! While the plot may be a bit complex to describe, it's easy to get into and understand once the film starts. To make a long story short, a newspaper accidentally prints a false story involving an heiress (Myrna Loy) who then slaps the paper with a five million-dollar lawsuit. The editor of the paper (Spencer Tracy) concocts an elaborate scheme involving his fiancée (Jean Harlow) and former colleague (William Powell) in hopes of having the lawsuit dropped. Everything seems to go according to plan, but romantic entanglements soon abound and everything spins hilariously out of control. This is a great film that's held neatly together with witty dialogue and fueled by the first rate performances of its lead stars Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, William Powell and Jean Harlow. Highly recommended!

Marvelous collection of star performers
With a lesser cast, this might not have been the film it is. The script, while good, is not conducive to making a great film. In fact, if one stands back and thinks about the film as a whole, nothing really stands out in any way, except the cast.

This is a movie that is redeemed and made excellent by the actors themselves. William Powell in particular shines in this one, along with the always-delightful Myrna Loy. How many films did those two make together? They were so intensely identified with one another that when Powell made THE SENATOR WAS INDISCREET and they needed a cameo stand in for his wife, Loy made uncredited appearance. Spencer Tracy is his usual excellent self, and Jean Harlow, in one of the last films she made before her tragic death, is excellent as the much-misused fiancé/wife of Tracy and Powell. Ironically, although many assumed that Powell and Loy were married to each other, Powell and Harlow had an affair, and were engaged to be married when she died of untreated uremic poisoning. Walter Connolly, who adorned some of the finest film comedies of the 1930s, also excels as Myrna Loy's father.

All in all, not a great movie in itself, but a movie made great by several star performances.

A great film!
I just love William Powell and Myrna Loy films. I really ejoyed this one. I highly recommend it, and would give it ten stars if I could. It's funny, witty, and charming!

Harlow, Powell, Loy and Tracy in a clever comedy classic
"Libeled Layd" is a first rate sardonic comedy with moments of slapstick and farce well served by a stellar cast. Newspaper editor William Haggerty (Spencer Tracy) is about to marry Gladys (Jean Harlow), but has to leave the bride at the altar because his newspaper has just published a juicy scandal about millionairess Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) being a husband-stealer. The "Libeled Lady" slaps Mr. Bane (Charlie Grapewin) with a $5,000,000 libel suit because of the story. Haggerty searches the world for famous lawyer Bill Chandler (William Powell), and once he finds him marries the guy off to Gladys (this part always confuses me too, but it made sense at the time). Chandler tries to find Connie in a compromising situation so he can get her to withdraw the suit, but, of course, he ends up falling in love with her. So, naturally, the couple elopes. But do not worry; everything works out fine in the end once the couples worked out who is going to marry who so they can live happily ever after; it becomes obvious to us long before it does to the characters. This 1936 comedy directed by Jack Conway is an adult comedy with some actual brains behind it all. The four stars work off each other exceptionally well, thanks to the script, with Harlow the big surprise as she manages to keep up with Powell, Loy and Tracy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"This is Mrs. Norman Maine," proclaims Janet Gaynor, fighting back the tears as she addresses her fans while still rocked by personal tragedy. It's the kind of grandiose gesture we love in a movie star, and the original A Star Is Born is gloriously grand with a cynical undercurrent. William Wellman, working from a sharp screenplay cowritten by the acerbic Dorothy Parker, strikes a balance between romantic glamour and tragic melodrama, all accomplished with a barely concealed caustic wit. It's a Cinderella story of a fresh-faced farm girl, the improbably named Esther Blodgett (they have a lot of fun with that one) who transforms into screen icon Vicki Lester when she comes to the attentions of matinee idol Norman Maine (Fredric March). But when the deliriously happy couple marries, Vicki's rise to the top is counterbalanced by Norman's fall from grace, a precipitous plummet from stardom to alcoholism and bitterness. Gaynor's milk-fed wholesomeness is a tad corny next to March's worldly cynicism, but she's a movie star through and through. Adolphe Menjou costars as a mercenary agent with a sing-song patter. One of the quintessential Hollywood Self-portraits, A Star Is Born was remade twice and was itself inspiredby George Cukor's wonderful What Price Hollywood? and the real-life story of Colleen Moore and John McCormick. March based his character on John Gilbert and John Barrymore. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Wonderful
A STAR IS BORN is the story of an innocent young woman who rises to fame in Hollywood. Her movie star husband helps her get started in her career while he is already on the skids because of his alcoholic behavior. Besides telling a great yarn the film also provides a candid expose of the movie industry before World War II. Janet Gaynor and Fredric March are superb in the leading roles. The strong supporting cast includes Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine and Lionel Stander.

Janet Gayner actually retired not too long after this movie and did only occasional acting later in life. She had been very active in Hollywood during the 1920's and 1930's. Director William Wellman directed many other good films including PUBLIC ENEMY.

It is difficult for to choose between this movie and the 1954 version starring Judy Garland and James Mason. They are both wonderful.

A STAR IS BORN received Oscars in 1937 for Best Original Story and Color Cinematography. Its numerous Academy Award nominations were for Best Picture, Director (William Wellman), Actor (Fredric March), Actress ( Janet Gaynor), Screenplay and Assistant Director (Eric Stacey).

The Originals Are Always the Best!
I don't understand why anyone would prefer the later remakes to this version, which is so far superior as to be incomparable to the later attempts. Who could be better than Fredric March? Of course it was a bit bizarre for him to play a fading star when in reality he was in the Hollywood limelight. I felt this version had so much more depth and story to it, without the multitudinous songs or the shallow world of musicals to interfere.

I'm not sure really what to say about this except that it's very very good and I think you and everyone should see it at least once. My favourite moments... in the cafe where Fred drinks raw egg while Janet impersonates various movie stars at another table. And at the preview of their first film together, they kiss for a LONG time, and Janet shrinks down blushing into her chair. There are others, just can't remember them at the moment. And the last part is very touching of course. Loved how Grandma couldn't take the bright lights.

I liked the producer better in this one than the Garland version as well. He seemed to have more character and wasn't so goony looking.

The colour quality of the video is admittedly terrible, but I have heard that the DVD version is a restored one and much better and easier to watch. I have not seen it myself to compare for certain.

Well, I've said my piece. This is the version to see. Don't bother with the other ones - they can't hold a candle to this one.

Tragic, unforgettable love story
The 1937 original version of "A Star Is Born" is a moving, observant drama about an aging, fading movie matinee idol, Norman Maine, played by Fredric March, who discovers and marries a struggling young actress, Esther Blodgett, portrayed by the lovely Janet Gaynor.

Norman has a chance encounter with Esther at a concert and then again at a fancy Hollywood party where she is moonlighting as a waitress. He is immediately taken by her natural beauty and sweetness. Norman chooses Esther to be his leading lady in his next movie. When the movie is released, Esther, who is renamed Vicki Lester by the studio, becomes an "overnight" star (that is after she suffers many rejections and near poverty prior to her stardom).

"A Star Is Born" provides a realistic view of the crassness and undeniable glamour of Hollywood. And it examines the fleeting nature of stardom which Hollywood creates and then conveniently and cruelly destroys when a star is no longer viable.

Everything about this movie is first rate in particular the perceptive direction by William Wellman, the smart screenplay by Wellman and Robert Carson, and the uniformly excellent performances by an all-star cast.

March and Gaynor are at their very best giving restrained, yet powerful performances. March's skill as an actor makes the demise of Norman Maine, at the behest of a fickle public and a mostly callous Hollywood establishment, heartbreaking to watch. And Esther's quiet strength and unconditional love and support of her adoring, self-destructive husband are subtly and convincingly conveyed by the gifted Miss Gaynor.

Be sure to stock up on tissues before you see this tragic, unforgettable love story because by its conclusion, your tears will be profuse. I guarantee it.

THIS IS THE 1.......
This is the original... The best.... It has a great feel of the Hollywood that was... Gaynor and March are great. I love u Judy - but THIS is THE classic film of the often-told-story... Judy is a class act, but HER film was/is not a classic.

BUY IT FOR GOODNES-SAKES hehehe:)(:

This KINO print is excellent!
I went ahead and bought this VHS edition from KINO, and I must say it is THE BEST print of this film to be found. I discovered Fredric March in 2002, and in one year collected over 54 of his films. During this time, I bought 2 other VHS versions of A STAR IS BORN; the first one was horrible...scratchy sound, the mouths didn't match with the words, blurry and washed out color. The second one was a bit better, color not so good, but at least the movement of their mouths was in step with the soundtrack. I really enjoy this film, and wanted to find a better print. This KINO print will not disappoint! It is superb...while the color is not like what you will see today, it is very very good. I was so impressed; what a pleasure it is to see a film almost as it looked originally in 1937.

I mainly wanted to share the news that this is an excellent VHS (I called KINO, and they said they don't know that they will ever put it on DVD...too bad, but I think I have seen bootleg DVD's taken from this KINO print on ebay.) This video is well worth the money due to the wonderful quality.

Many have already stated their opinion on this film. I greatly admire Fredric March and he did such a good job portraying Norman Maine. I liked Janet Gaynor's performance as well. It is fun to see some of the famous Hollywood locations in these early days. It is a good story...nice to see a wife sticking by her man through the good times and bad. Nice to see how she honors his name and memory at the end of the film. Nice to see that she didn't sit and have a pity party about how horrible a husband Norman was. She was of beautiful character...you especially see this when at the Academy Awards, and he accidently slaps her face, she just takes his hand and calmly walks with him back to the table. Later that evening, at home, Norman (March) is passed out drunk in a chair, and we see Esther(Gaynor) kneeling before him, still in her gown, with her Oscar lying on the floor beside her, taking off his shoes. What love and devotion and lack of selfishness is portrayed in that one simple scene... We know her heart was hurting; none of this was easy for her.

I know many people just adore the Judy Garland version. I have seen it, and my main problem was I thought there was too much singing ( I am not fond of musicals), and I also felt Judy looked too old and weary for the part. You could see this in her eyes. She lacked the youthful innocence Gaynor had. Now if Judy had done it when she was younger...but this is only my opinion.

I prefer this 1937 version, and if you do as well, this KINO print is THE ONE to watch and to own. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Wonderful
A STAR IS BORN is the story of an innocent young woman who rises to fame in Hollywood. Her movie star husband helps her get started in her career while he is already on the skids because of his alcoholic behavior. Besides telling a great yarn the film also provides a candid expose of the movie industry before World War II. Janet Gaynor and Fredric March are superb in the leading roles. The strong supporting cast includes Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine and Lionel Stander.

Janet Gayner actually retired not too long after this movie and did only occasional acting later in life. She had been very active in Hollywood during the 1920's and 1930's. Director William Wellman directed many other good films including PUBLIC ENEMY.

It is difficult for to choose between this movie and the 1954 version starring Judy Garland and James Mason. They are both wonderful.

A STAR IS BORN received Oscars in 1937 for Best Original Story and Color Cinematography. Its numerous Academy Award nominations were for Best Picture, Director (William Wellman), Actor (Fredric March), Actress ( Janet Gaynor), Screenplay and Assistant Director (Eric Stacey).

The Originals Are Always the Best!
I don't understand why anyone would prefer the later remakes to this version, which is so far superior as to be incomparable to the later attempts. Who could be better than Fredric March? Of course it was a bit bizarre for him to play a fading star when in reality he was in the Hollywood limelight. I felt this version had so much more depth and story to it, without the multitudinous songs or the shallow world of musicals to interfere.

I'm not sure really what to say about this except that it's very very good and I think you and everyone should see it at least once. My favourite moments... in the cafe where Fred drinks raw egg while Janet impersonates various movie stars at another table. And at the preview of their first film together, they kiss for a LONG time, and Janet shrinks down blushing into her chair. There are others, just can't remember them at the moment. And the last part is very touching of course. Loved how Grandma couldn't take the bright lights.

I liked the producer better in this one than the Garland version as well. He seemed to have more character and wasn't so goony looking.

The colour quality of the video is admittedly terrible, but I have heard that the DVD version is a restored one and much better and easier to watch. I have not seen it myself to compare for certain.

Well, I've said my piece. This is the version to see. Don't bother with the other ones - they can't hold a candle to this one.

Tragic, unforgettable love story
The 1937 original version of "A Star Is Born" is a moving, observant drama about an aging, fading movie matinee idol, Norman Maine, played by Fredric March, who discovers and marries a struggling young actress, Esther Blodgett, portrayed by the lovely Janet Gaynor.

Norman has a chance encounter with Esther at a concert and then again at a fancy Hollywood party where she is moonlighting as a waitress. He is immediately taken by her natural beauty and sweetness. Norman chooses Esther to be his leading lady in his next movie. When the movie is released, Esther, who is renamed Vicki Lester by the studio, becomes an "overnight" star (that is after she suffers many rejections and near poverty prior to her stardom).

"A Star Is Born" provides a realistic view of the crassness and undeniable glamour of Hollywood. And it examines the fleeting nature of stardom which Hollywood creates and then conveniently and cruelly destroys when a star is no longer viable.

Everything about this movie is first rate in particular the perceptive direction by William Wellman, the smart screenplay by Wellman and Robert Carson, and the uniformly excellent performances by an all-star cast.

March and Gaynor are at their very best giving restrained, yet powerful performances. March's skill as an actor makes the demise of Norman Maine, at the behest of a fickle public and a mostly callous Hollywood establishment, heartbreaking to watch. And Esther's quiet strength and unconditional love and support of her adoring, self-destructive husband are subtly and convincingly conveyed by the gifted Miss Gaynor.

Be sure to stock up on tissues before you see this tragic, unforgettable love story because by its conclusion, your tears will be profuse. I guarantee it.

THIS IS THE 1.......
This is the original... The best.... It has a great feel of the Hollywood that was... Gaynor and March are great. I love u Judy - but THIS is THE classic film of the often-told-story... Judy is a class act, but HER film was/is not a classic.

BUY IT FOR GOODNES-SAKES hehehe:)(:

This KINO print is excellent!
I went ahead and bought this VHS edition from KINO, and I must say it is THE BEST print of this film to be found. I discovered Fredric March in 2002, and in one year collected over 54 of his films. During this time, I bought 2 other VHS versions of A STAR IS BORN; the first one was horrible...scratchy sound, the mouths didn't match with the words, blurry and washed out color. The second one was a bit better, color not so good, but at least the movement of their mouths was in step with the soundtrack. I really enjoy this film, and wanted to find a better print. This KINO print will not disappoint! It is superb...while the color is not like what you will see today, it is very very good. I was so impressed; what a pleasure it is to see a film almost as it looked originally in 1937.

I mainly wanted to share the news that this is an excellent VHS (I called KINO, and they said they don't know that they will ever put it on DVD...too bad, but I think I have seen bootleg DVD's taken from this KINO print on ebay.) This video is well worth the money due to the wonderful quality.

Many have already stated their opinion on this film. I greatly admire Fredric March and he did such a good job portraying Norman Maine. I liked Janet Gaynor's performance as well. It is fun to see some of the famous Hollywood locations in these early days. It is a good story...nice to see a wife sticking by her man through the good times and bad. Nice to see how she honors his name and memory at the end of the film. Nice to see that she didn't sit and have a pity party about how horrible a husband Norman was. She was of beautiful character...you especially see this when at the Academy Awards, and he accidently slaps her face, she just takes his hand and calmly walks with him back to the table. Later that evening, at home, Norman (March) is passed out drunk in a chair, and we see Esther(Gaynor) kneeling before him, still in her gown, with her Oscar lying on the floor beside her, taking off his shoes. What love and devotion and lack of selfishness is portrayed in that one simple scene... We know her heart was hurting; none of this was easy for her.

I know many people just adore the Judy Garland version. I have seen it, and my main problem was I thought there was too much singing ( I am not fond of musicals), and I also felt Judy looked too old and weary for the part. You could see this in her eyes. She lacked the youthful innocence Gaynor had. Now if Judy had done it when she was younger...but this is only my opinion.

I prefer this 1937 version, and if you do as well, this KINO print is THE ONE to watch and to own. ... Read more