Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Award-winning musical tragedy with alcoholism at its core.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Star Is Born (1954)
What's the Story?
In A STAR IS BORN, a talented young band singer (Judy Garland) is discovered by a major movie star (James Mason) who is also an alcoholic. Though they fall love and share idyllic moments together, he cannot maintain control over his alcoholism and its related bad behavior. Her singing and acting career soars as he falters and tragically self-destructs. This well-known and much-loved film is a remake of the Janet Gaynor-Frederic March 1937 drama of the same name, which was remade again in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. This 1954 version nominated for six Academy Awards (including Best Actor and Best Actress), which marked Judy Garland's triumphant return to the screen after her own difficulties with substance abuse and fragility, is the iconic version of the familiar story.
Is It Any Good?
Though acting styles and depictions of alcoholism have greatly changed since this melodrama was made, this musical drama set in the early 1950s remains a vibrant and moving film. A Star Is Born captures the true essence of Judy Garland's showmanship, vulnerability, and musical gifts. Some original songs, including Judy's show-stopping delivery of "The Man That Got Away," are introduced alongside a wonderful selection of American Songbook standards.
It's long, just minutes short of three hours, but for a one-stop intro to the magic that was Judy Garland as an adult icon and for dazzling musical production numbers, this is the movie to see.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences in treatment for alcoholism in 1954 and today. Do you think Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, or other programs would have helped Norman and Esther? Are you aware of the resources in your community for substance abusers and/or their families?
Think about how the art of acting has changed over the years since A Star Is Born was made. What are some of the most obvious differences between Academy Award-nominated performances then and now?
What motivated Norman Maine's final decision? How might he have resolved his dilemma in a different way?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 16, 1954
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2000
- Cast : James Mason , Judy Garland
- Director : George Cukor
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Musical
- Run time : 176 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : July 3, 2022
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