Review of A Star Is Born (1954) by David B — 29 Dec 2009

Ambitious comeback vehicle for Judy Garland, the tale of an up-and-coming star managing her waxing career as her husband's wanes.

Garland is radiant and in full voice here, good news for any musical enthusiast. The production budget is similarly lush, making many numbers both lavish and at times overdone, perhaps reflected in its six Oscar nominations without return.

Full marks for efforts to restore the original. Despite the interruption of stitched-in production stills and washed out b-stock film, it helps to deliver the piece as intended.

James Mason is good value in support and the barely-concealed film industry critique is as relevant as ever. Yet, Garland's tragic personal fate adds a layer of sorrow to the protagonist's sweeping story and we can't help feel the ultimate victim is not the intended target - heartless Hollywood - but Garland herself.