Judy Garland Adult

A Star Is Born

In 1953 Judy returned to movies by way of a co-production contract with Warner Brothers to film a musical remake of "A Star Is Born" (the film had been made once before in 1937). Judy had set up a film production company with her husband Sid, called Transcona Enterprises. It was specifically set up to produce this movie, which was a joint venture between Transcona and Warner Brothers. It was Transcona who produced the film, while Warner Brothers supplied the funds, production facilities and crew. Judy celebrated her 31st birthday in June 1953 and began recording songs for "A Star" around that time. Shooting began in October 1953. The movie was directed by George Cukor and co-starred James Mason. Casting the male lead, proved difficult as few of the established names approached (i.e., Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart) wanted to play what is essentially a supporting role. James Mason had no such qualms and was effective, offering one of his best screen performances; however Judy was said to have had an affair with him during the production of the film.

It was a large undertaking to which Garland initially fully dedicated herself. As shooting progressed, however, she began making the same pleas of illness which she had so often made during her final films at MGM. Production delays led to cost overruns and angry confrontations with Warner Bros. head Jack Warner. Principal photography wrapped on March 17, 1954. At Luft's suggestion, the "Born in a Trunk" medley was filmed as a showcase for Garland and inserted over director Cukor's objections, as he feared the additional length would lead to cuts in other areas. The "Born in a Trunk" sequence was completed on July 29. Judy had turned 32 on June 10th 1954.

Upon its September 29 world premiere (which was one of the biggest events of its kind that Hollywood had ever seen, with scores of celebrities in attendance. It was also the first premiere to be televised) the film was met with tremendous critical and popular acclaim. Before release it was edited at the instruction of Jack Warner; theatre operators, he concerned that they were losing money because they were only able to run the film for three or four shows per day instead of five or six, and he pressured