A Star is Born (1954): The Judy Garland Version

 So, there is no need to recap the plot as everyone in the world knows what this film is about unless they are living under a rock so I will just talk about the pros and cons for me.

Pro: This film really gives Judy Garland a chance to show her acting chops especially toward the last part of the film. Her scene where she sobs to Oliver Niles (Charles Bickford) about Norman's (James Mason's) struggles with his never ending battle with alcoholism is especially poignant. Mason is likewise excellent. And even though the musical numbers are stuck in there largely to showcase Garland's talents (save the ones in 'The Man that Got Away') are likewise brilliant.

Cons: The ridiculous montage in the first half was just a way to cut corners in the budget, by showing a black and white pictures with voiceovers to move the plot forward is just unacceptable and the snippets of the scenes should have been shown, but they weren't. This unfortunately brings the overall quality of the film down a notch for me and that is such a shame because it was largely first rate. 

Pro and Con: Esther Blogdett's unyielding devotion to her husband. Sure, he needs all the support he can get as alcoholism is a disease but he is also holding her back and is accidentally cruel to her (that scene at the Oscars is especially heartbreaking) so I don't know if I support her decision to stay with him and give up her career for him or not. And of course, we know he makes the decision for her. 

So overall, a solid film except for the above but it is worth watching nonetheless. Grade: B+

Side Notes:

-Jack Carson and Tom Noonan also give solid supporting performances. 

-Despite her countless personal struggles, Garland manages to look younger than her age and fits the role perfectly. 

-I love how Norman and Esther (as that is her real name) get married in a courthouse, under their real names. But he still doesn't wear a wedding ring, always and forever a giant pet peeve of mine.

-Norman can't stand that by the end of the film, his wife is the main breadwinner in the family.

-Birth control and sex are never mentioned nor is the subject of children ever brought up. 

-This film does contain a great make out scene with a sandwich prop.