A star is reborn again and again and again . . .
The basic story of “A Star Is Born” has survived more than 80 years as a star vehicle for some of the biggest names in Hollywood and music. The basics are: An alcoholic actor or musician on his way down from starry heights falls in love with and helps a woman on her way up the ladder.
The story has inspired several star-studded remakes, in English and foreign languages. Here’s a quick run-through of three of the best-known versions that paved the way for the Lady Gaga-Bradley Cooper film already generating Oscar buzz as it arrives in theaters Friday. (Descriptions in quotes are from the Internet Movie Database.)
1937: Starring Janet Gaynor and Frederic March as Vicki Lester and Norman Maine. The original story is credited to William A. Wellman (he also co-directed) and Robert Carson, with a screenplay co-written by Dorothy Parker. In this nonmusical, “a woman comes to Hollywood with dreams of stardom but achieves them with the help of an alcoholic leading man whose best days are behind him.” Seven Oscar nominations (best picture, actor, actress, writing, original story, director and assistant director). The film won an Oscar for best original story and an honorary award for its innovative color photography.
1954: Starring Judy Garland and James Mason as Vicki Lester and Norman Maine. “A film star helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career on a downward spiral.” Directed by George Cukor and written by Moss Hart, it featured “The Man That Got Away,” which is ranked No. 11 on AFI’s list of 100 top songs in films. Five Oscar nominations (actress, actor, original music, costumes and production design).
1976: Starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson as Esther Hoffman and John Norman Howard, directed by Frank Pierson. “A has-been rock star falls in love with a young, up-andcoming songstress.” Joan Didion is among the handful of writers credited with the script. Four Oscar nominations (original song, adapted score, sound and cinematography). Ms. Streisand shared the Oscar and Grammy win for the song “Evergreen” with Paul Williams.
Sharon Eberson: seberson@post-gazette.com or 412263-1960. Twitter: @SEberson_pg.