A Star Is Born

Esther Blodgett is introduced as a talented aspiring singer whose ambition drives her to seek a career in films. She is currently performing with her band and dreams of making it big in Hollywood.

Norman Maine, a once-famous matinée idol, arrives intoxicated at a public event at the Shrine Auditorium. His erratic behavior draws the attention of studio publicist Matt Libby, who tries to keep him off the stage, indicating the actor's struggles with his career and alcoholism.

Norman, desperate to escape the chaos around him, crashes a stage where an orchestra performs. In a clever turn, Esther pretends that Norman is part of the performance, saving him from potential embarrassment and establishing a connection between the two.

Grateful for Esther's quick thinking, Norman invites her to dinner, and they share a heartfelt moment. He encourages her to pursue her dreams in the film industry, igniting a spark of hope in Esther about her future.

Esther confides in her bandmate, Danny McGuire, that she has decided to leave their band to chase her dreams of becoming a movie star in Los Angeles. This pivotal decision marks the beginning of her journey into the film industry.

After tracking down Esther, Norman persuades studio head Oliver Niles to give her a chance in film. Though initially skeptical, Niles casts her in a small role, but she soon discovers her name has been changed to 'Vicki Lester' against her will.

Esther, now Vicki, impresses the studio with her singing and lands a major role in a musical film. Vicki's hard work pays off, leading to her significant rise in fame, and her romantic bond with Norman flourishes as they eventually wed.

As Vicki's career skyrockets, Norman's struggles with alcoholism become more severe, leaving him unable to find work. He disrupts Vicki's Oscar acceptance speech, exposing his personal demons in front of an audience that once adored him.

While at the racetrack, Norman encounters Matt Libby, who mocks him for living off Vicki's success. This confrontation leads to a violent outburst, forcing Norman into a destructive drinking spree that ends with his arrest.

After Vicki bails Norman out of jail, she discovers that he has entered a sanitarium. The strain of his alcoholism weighs heavily on their relationship, especially when Norman overhears Vicki discussing her thoughts of quitting acting to care for him.

In a moment of clarity, Norman realizes the consequences of his actions on Vicki's life and his own. He walks into the ocean and tragically drowns himself, leaving Vicki in a state of devastation.

At Norman's funeral, Vicki is overwhelmed by reporters and fans, leading her into a spiral of isolation. Struggling with grief, she retreats from the public eye, becoming a recluse in the wake of her husband's death.

Eventually, her friend Danny encourages her to re-enter public life by attending a charity function. This marks a significant turning point for Vicki as she attempts to reconnect with her fans and her identity.

While at the charity event, Vicki takes the stage to address the audience. She claims her identity with the poignant words, 'This is Mrs. Norman Maine,' evoking a standing ovation from the crowd, signifying her resilience.