A Star Is Born (1954)

James Mason and Judy Garland netted Academy Award noms for their lead roles, the first deserving, the second not. Ms. Garland seems disconnected throughout, and the addition of many songs not associated with the film’s plot dilutes the story. Only one dance number (“Around the World in a Living Room”) excites. With little memorable music, this remake is a dated mess.

*⅝ (out of *****)

©2018 David R. George III

---

1954 • 2 HOURS, 34 MINUTES
WARNER BROS. • TRANSCONA ENTERPRISES

STARRING
• JUDY GARLAND, JAMES MASON

ALSO STARRING
• JACK CARSON, CHARLES BICKFORD, TOM NOONAN

WRITTEN BY
• MOSS HART (SCREENPLAY)
• DOROTHY PARKER & ALAN CAMPBELL & ROBERT CARSON (BASED ON THE 1937 SCREENPLAY BY)
• WILLIAM A. WELLMAN & ROBERT CARSON (BASED ON THE 1937 STORY BY)

DIRECTED BY
• GEORGE CUKOR

1954 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS (6)
• BEST ACTOR: JAMES MASON (LOST TO MARLON BRANDO FOR ON THE WATERFRONT)
• BEST ACTRESS: JUDY GARLAND (LOST TO GRACE KELLY FOR THE COUNTRY GIRL)
• BEST COLOR ART DIRECTION–SET DECORATION (LOST TO 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA)
• BEST COLOR COSTUME DESIGN (LOST TO JIGOKUMON)
• BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (LOST TO SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS)
• BEST ORIGINAL SONG: “THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY” (LOST TO “THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN” FROM THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN)