Tue 4 Dec 2007
A wonderful film. The story has been told many times - major star finds his career in films fading, as his new wife finds her rising. Yet, this telling of the tale is one of the best made by far. The acting is superb - James Mason as the drunken Norman Maine, Jack Carson in a dramatic role for a change as the Libby, the man in charge of studio publicity, Charles Bickford as Oliver Niles, head of the movie studio, and, the dazzling Judy Garland as Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester, in a career-defining performance. Plus, the music of Harold Arlen, the lyrics of Ira Gershwin, the special bonus music (Born In a Trunk) by Rodger Edens (Leonard Gershe got the credit as Edens was tied to his MGM contract), Direction by George Cukor.
All make one of the most wonderful films ever made. Considered too long at the time of its initial release, 27 minutes of valuable character development was cut, leaving a major hole in the plot and lives of the characters. Restored as much as possible in 1983, it again became a powerful indictment of the Hollywood of the 1950’s and showed how cruel success can be, or the losing of your career.
Still a powerful film to watch. Garland never ceases to amaze with her versatility as an actress and singer in this movie.
Watch it and see why it is my favorite!
