A STAR IS BORN

US, 1976, 140 minutes, Colour.
Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Mazursky, Gary Busey.
Directed by Frank R. Pierson.

A Star Is Born is the third version of this story. Just as its predecessor was Judy Garland's showcase, so this film is Barbra Streisand's, and despite the adverse criticism, she handles her role very well. The transferring of plot from Hollywood to rock world, while contemporary, limits the film's appeal to older audiences, although Streisand is as versatile as ever. The film does not delve into the characterisation and themes as did previous versions and the plot takes on the form of a romantic fairy tale with an unhappy ending. Interesting comparisons of plot treatment are continually present, but for those who don't know other versions, this one works enjoyably on the level of light entertainment.

1. The popularity of this plot, the original, the remakes? The updating to the '70s? The archetypal story of the rise of the star and the fall of the star? Why the perennial appeal?

2. The impact in the'70s? The plot, success and career? Rise and fall? The particular styles of the stars and their interaction? The music world, the rock world, vast concerts and popularity?

3. The strength of the plot and its characters, struggles, American dream, disillusionment, tragedy?

4. How well did the film use the atmosphere of show business, the rock world, music - concerts, records? Stardom, heartbreak, success and successful breaks, luck? Individual and personal lives affected by the impact of success and its artificiality? Wealth?

5. The film as a Barbra Streisand vehicle? Her contribution to so many aspects of the film? Her personality, style, singing? Winning an Oscar for 'Evergreen"? The Initial impact of Esther and her singing, the group, her reaction to John Norman and his disruption, helping him? A talented person, a singer with a future?

6. The introduction to John Norman? The choice of Kris Kristofferson for the role and the background of his singing career, his drinking? His skill in working with Streisand? Seeing him singing, his success in his concerts, his going downhill with drinking and drugs, the effect of popularity? His behaviour at the concert? His irresponsibility? Gimmicks?

7. The interaction at the nightclub and his interrupting her act? Her singing, his reaction? Her saving him - and the consequences for the breakfast? The interaction between the two, dependence, love, mutual help?

8. The film's focus on his career, the possibilities of his success, his lack of concern and care, popularity? His letting his career go? The contribution of Brian as his agent? Paul Mazursky's skill in presenting the music agent? His friendship with John Norman, his friendship and advice to Esther? The importance of Bobby Ritchie and his musical talent, support of John Norman? The other members of the group?

9. Esther's personality, her genuine help for John Norman? Her presence at his concert and the spectacular aerial effects for presenting the concert and its impact, the fans, her going onstage, his crash?

10. The repercussions of the concert and his prompting her? Her songs, the concert where he stood back and let her sing instead? His joy at her success and good reviews?

11. The contribution of the songs: 'Evergreen' and the way that it was staged? Comment on the impact of Kris Kristofferson's presentation of his songs, Barbra Streisand's? The importance of the finale 'With One More Look at You'?

12. The marriage - how well did they know each other, love each other, the possibility of its success? Their working together?

13. The lyrical sequences of the planning out of the house, the change from the city to the countryside, the building of the house and their settling in it, the ranch and the horses? The possibility of happiness?

14. Esther's rising success and the wag this was presented, the repercussions for John Norman? His returning to drink? The build-up to the Emmy Award presentation? His disrupting it and Esther's reaction? (And the presence of Rita Coolidge, Kristofferson's wife, in this sequence?)

15. The contrast with their life at how, Esther trying to cope, John Norman trying to cope? His tapes, listening to himself, his regrets and yet his support of Esther?

16. The reporter and her interrogation, his being seduced by the groupie, Esther's reaction?

17. The inevitability of the clash, the repercussions of such a long fight, their decision to fight for each other and Esther's demands on him? The repercussions for him and his inability to face them?

18. The tenderness of his farewell to the sleeping Esther, the drive, the listening to his records, the build-up to the crash? Was it inevitable that he should kill himself?

19. The finale and Esther's presenting herself as 'John Norman's wife'? The importance of the ten-minute conclusion with the song 'With One More Look At You'? As a tribute to John Norman, as an illustration of Esther's ability?

20. The overall impact of the basic story and its exploration of character, show business, success, comedy, tragedy?