"A STAR IS BORN"
NEW HEIGHTS FOR JANET GAYNOR AND FREDRIC MARCH
Esther Victoria Blodgett! There’s a name to go to Hollywood with and break into the films as a star! And this is the why and the wherefore of “A Star is Born,” the picture with the famous Selznick seal, which will undoubtedly stand out on the 1937 film register for tl e humanness of its appeal, anc- the magnificent acting of its pi'inem-uls, Janet Gaynor and Fred.'ic March. Yes, it's a new Janet Gaynor that has invaded the picture horizon. All the facts of emotion arc materialised by her i:> the nz'\-;.css of the siory . . . hope and disillusion . . success and heartbreaks . . the love that transcends all. One is looking at a new artist, retaining, however, aIL the femininity of Janet, but strengthened with force and definiteness. And by the way, the ruthless publicity agent of the story had transformed the name of the heroine into the more euphonious “Vickie Lester,” which was the turning point in her career. Frcdric March also shows new ang-
Ics to his histrionic powers, and as the beloved actor Norman Maine in the heyday of his triumphs who sinks to the depths through alcoholic dissipations, finally to sacrifice his life, he gives an outstanding portrayal of the varying phases of achievement and despair. Technicolour is an artistic embellishment to' the production, which transports, the audience to intimate makeup scenes and shooting at the Hollywood studio: to glimpses of the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where stars of the movie world have left their footprints in cement in its courtyard; to the Santa Anita race track depicting a big meeting; to the Hollywood Legion Stadium, a favoured resort of the movie folk; to the Hollywood Bowl, one of the world’s most striking and picturesque arenas; to the Trocadero, the Brown Derby and other noted eating places of the stars; and to the Biltmore Bowl, where the presentation of Academy of Awards for motion picture stars takes place.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19371120.2.40.6
Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 20 November 1937, Page 7
Word Count
332"A STAR IS BORN" Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 20 November 1937, Page 7
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