The story of a star being born has been a timeless and beloved narrative for generations, with each iteration showcasing the highs and lows of the cutthroat creative industries. The tragic love story, which has been told four times since 1937, has charmd audiences with its exploration of the price of fame, jealousy, and the allure of showbiz. The story follows a young woman dreaming of stardom, who begins a relationship with a man struggling in his profession, only to see her success exceed his, leading to drama and conflict, and ultimately, tragedy.
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson starred in the 1976 version of A Star Is Born, which was a huge commercial success, earning $80 million from a budget of only $6 million. The film features an almost epic feel, given its 139-minute runtime and large-scale concert scenes, but can also feel a bit overstuffed. The romantic chemistry between Streisand and Kristofferson feels unconvincing, making it the weakest take on the story.
The 1937 version of A Star Is Born is a classic Hollywood film that focuses on an aspiring actress becoming involved with a washed-up actor, rather than a singer. Janet Gaynor and Fredric March are both great in the lead roles, and the film’s distinctive-looking technicolor and unique narrative make it stand out. The film was a commercial success, earning nearly twice its budget at the box office.
A Still From A Star Is Born 2018 (Photo: A Star Is Born)
The 2018 version of A Star Is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Lady Gaga, is the most well-known version of the story. The film is set in the 21st century and features the country music scene. Lady Gaga steals the show with her incredible vocals, and the film was a major commercial success, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for Gaga’s performance.
The 1954 version of A Star Is Born is often considered the best iteration of the story. The film features legendary performances from Judy Garland and James Mason as two musicians struggling to find success in the industry. The film’s 176-minute runtime makes it the longest of all the A Star Is Born movies, and it is bolstered by the phenomenal acting on offer. Garland and Mason give the two best performances from any A Star Is Born movie, making it the one to pick if you can only watch a single version.
The story of stars being born has been a timeless and beloved narrative for generations, with each iteration showcasing the highs and lows of the cutthroat creative industries. From the struggles of aspiring actresses and musicians to the allure of showbiz, the story has charmd audiences with its exploration of the human condition.
