A Star Is Born

I keep telling you that there is more to me than just Michael Jackson. Some people think I just live and breathe for Michael, never coming out from his crystal adorned aura. That I suffocate myself with moonwalks and crotch grabs. But that’s not true.

I believe I mentioned before that I have a penchant for, love and appreciate classic old films.


One of the films that I loved to see was A Star Is Born, first released in 1937 and starring Janet Gaynor. I first watched A Star is Born, because I loved Janet Gaynor, but only knew her from silent films. (My favorite silent of all time, “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” stars her and I cry each time I watch it.I also loved her in Street Angel and Seventh Heaven--a film, not the TV show) But I had never heard Janet in a talkie. I had never heard her voice, can you imagine that?

A Star is Born tells the story of Vicki Lester, once a small town girl, rapidly making her way to superstardom as a Hollywood actress. In the film, Vicki even marries troubled matinee idol, Norman Maine. Eventually, Vicki begins to outperform her husband, becoming a major box office draw, whilst Norman career is slowing to a snails pace.

Eventually, due to constantly being in a drunken stupor, Norman becomes a has-been and no one really remembers who he is.

It all culminates in Norman committing suicide.

I really do love the 1937 version of Star, but I have also seen the 1954 remake starring none other than songstress, Judy Garland.



I have seen it twice and while I LOVE LOVE LOVE Judy Garland,

It is not one of my favorite performances from her. You see, Judy’s version of the film is made into a musical. And while the singing from Judy is absolutely wonderful, it kind of takes away from the serious subject matter in which the film covers.

Judy was supposed to have made the film in 1942, but her current studio executives thought it was too serious for her. It wasn’t until she switches studios, that she was able to make the film and use it as a vehicle to a comeback after waning popularity and a string of movies with buddy, Mickey Rooney.

Judy Garland’s performance is beautiful and heart tugging, just as Janet Gaynor’s way 17 years earlier.

The thing for me is, I guess I’m spoiled The moment Just opens her mouth to start warbling, she transforms back into her most notable role for me.



Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. Judy will always be endeared to me as this character. I don’t care what film I see her in, what she’s singing, she beomes a wide-eyed, fresh-faced 16 year old in a gingham dress.

And I am transformed back to a little chubby-cheeked 6 year old from when I first saw the picture.

That’s a strong memory to let go of .

With Janet, it’s different. I can watch her morph from role to role, but I have Judy pigeon-holed unfortunately.

I would suggest a first timer to watch the Janet Gaynor version first, but really, either version a person decided to watch is a great film, the way it goes. Check it out. You’ll be happy you did!