A Star Is Born

TCM's Alicia Malone introduces A Star Is Born, 1937.

Ben Mankiewicz introduces A Star Is Born, 1937.

Ben Mankiewicz introduces A Star Is Born, 1937.

Ben Mankiewicz introduces A Star Is Born, 1937.

Producer David Selznick is credited with the framing device, introducing Esther (Janet Gaynor) and brother (A.W. Sweatt) telling father, aunt and granny (J.C. Nugent, Clara Blandick, May Robson) about a movie with Norman Maine (Fredric March, who will figure later), in A Star Is Born, 1937.

Mentor Norman (Fredric March) supports Esther (Janet Gaynor) in the screen test he arranged, then producer Oliver (Adolphe Menjou) signs her, and press agent Libby (Lionel Stander) discovers a problem, William A. Wellman directing David Selznick's original A Star Is Born, 1937.

Looks to be the real office of the real Central Casting in Burbank as Esther (Janet Gaynor), in town for about a month, gets tough love from Peggy Wood, then her landlord (Edgar Kennedy) and meets new fellow tenant Danny (Andy Devine), early in David Selznick's A Star Is Born, 1937.

Producer Oliver (Adolphe Menjou) is cleaning up after Norman (Fredric March), who surprisingly turns up, and has differing reactions to girlfriend Anita (Elizabeth Jenns) and moonlighting waitress Esther (Janet Gaynor), at their first proper meeting, in David Selznick's A Star Is Born, 1937.

Producer David Selznick and director William A. Wellman executing the first-ever Technicolor shoot on location at the Hollywood Bowl, as Esther (Janet Gaynor) and Danny (Andy Devine) get their first look at Norman Maine (Fredric March), in A Star Is Born, 1937.

A famous very early on-location Technicolor scene, William A. Wellman directing at the Santa Anita race track, where drying-out Norman (Fredric March) bumps into his crusty former press agent Libby (Lionel Stander), in the original A Star Is Born, 1937.

A fading matinee idol marries the young beginner he's shepherded to stardom in A Star is Born (1937) starring Janet Gaynor & Fredric March.