April's Movie in the Public Domain is the 1937 feature film "A Star is Born". This drama, romance is about a North Dakota farm girl who moves to Hollywood in hopes of becoming a star. Her dream is soon realized with the assistance of an alcoholic leading man, whose career has begun to fade.
Directed by William A. Wellman and produced by David O. Selznick, this one hour 51 minute film premiered on April 20th at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March in the lead roles.
The film would receive 7 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. It would win for Best Original Story.
"A Star is Born" would be remade 3 times - in 1954 (starring Judy Garland and James Mason), in 1976 (starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson), and in 2018 (starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper).
Reviews for the movie were very favorable. Frank S. Nugent of The New York Times called it "one of the year's best shows." Harrison's Reports called it "a powerful human interest drama" and "great entertainment." I must agree. It is worth the watch.
"A Star is Born" (1937) can be viewed for free on YouTube.
Enjoy!
