Pick a Day

Streisand And Kristofferson In A Star Is Born

An updated version of the musical drama A Star is Born debuts in movie theaters, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, and featuring the Academy Award-winning chart-topper "Evergreen."

By the time producer Jon Peters brought the idea for A Star is Born to his girlfriend Barbra Streisand, the film had already been made three times: first in 1932 with Constance Bennett and Lowell Sherman (under the title What Price Hollywood?), then in 1937 with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, and again in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason. The basic plot is the same: a fading male star falls in love with an up-and-comer and can't cope when her career eclipses his. The earlier versions cast the couple as actors or performers trying to make it in Hollywood, but with Streisand in the lead, it only made sense to set the story in the music industry, making her an aspiring singer opposite a self-destructive rock star on the decline. Streisand, also working as executive producer on the film, wanted Elvis Presley as her co-star, but when negotiations with his manager Colonel Tom Parker fell through, the part went to Kris Kristofferson. Streisand was a defining influence on and off the screen. Besides learning to play the guitar and composing the love theme "Evergreen," with friend Paul Williams writing the lyrics, she tapped songwriters Rupert Holmes, Leon Russell, and Kenny Loggins to write for the #1 hit soundtrack. During filming, she approved shots and directed a few minor scenes that she was determined to keep in the movie. She even designed the silver Art Deco gown her character wore by culling items from her own closet. But on premiere night, it's the behind-the-scenes drama that has everyone talking. Director Frank Pierson resented Streisand's control over the film and published a scathing article in New West magazine just before the film's debut, calling the singer a manipulative control freak. He also clashed with Kristofferson, who earned the nickname "Kris Pissed-Off-Erson" because of his surly demeanor on the set - which included a public screaming match with Streisand over a musical scene. Although critics pan the film, it becomes the third-highest grossing movie of the year and scores five Golden Globes, including Best Actor and Best Actress for its two leads and a win for Best Picture. Aside from being one of the biggest singles of her career, the chart-topping "Evergreen" also wins both a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Song, making Streisand the first female to win an Oscar as a composer.

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