A Star Is Born

A Star Is Born

Year: 1976

Runtime: 139 min

Language: English

Director: Frank Pierson

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In this poignant musical drama, a troubled rock legend, John Norman Howard, finds redemption in the rising star of Esther Hoffman, a talented newcomer he discovers at a club. As she shines bright, his own career falters, and he must confront the demons of his addiction before it's too late to revive his art and their love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Star Is Born yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – A Star Is Born (1976)
Trace every key event in A Star Is Born (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Concert Chaos Begins

The movie opens at a rock concert where the restless audience creates tension. A child gets lost amidst the chaos, while fireworks are thrown, igniting a fight in the crowd. The star of the show, John Norman Howard, arrives visibly drunk and forgets the lyrics mid-performance, leading to a disastrous conclusion as he insults the audience and abandons the stage.

Rock Concert Venue
2

John's Turbulent Entourage

After the disastrous concert, John's entourage is left frantic as they rush to leave in a car. Bobbie Ritchie, a member of the entourage, gives John cocaine, while another crew member suggests he sleep, but John refuses and insists on going out instead. This establishes John's reckless lifestyle and the concern of those around him.

Car
3

Meeting Esther at the Bar

John arrives at a bar where Esther Hoffman is performing. He brings a bottle of whiskey, but the bar serves only non-alcoholic beverages. Through a tense exchange, Esther allows John to keep his whiskey as long as he behaves respectfully during her performance, sparking John's growing fascination with her.

Bar
4

Bar Fight Erupts

While John enjoys Esther's singing, some fans intrude and eventually provoke a fight with him. As the bar owner closes the establishment and calls the police, Esther steps in to help John escape, thus igniting the chemistry between them and hinting at a blossoming relationship.

Bar
5

Breakfast Invitation

Following their escape from the bar, John and Esther arrive at her place. Although John wishes to stay, Esther coyly invites him back for breakfast, where they bond over her agreement to attend his concert later that day. This moment serves as the beginning of their romantic relationship.

Esther's Home
6

Esther's Stage Debut

During the concert, John unexpectedly invites Esther on stage to sing. Although faced with initial resistance from the crowd, Esther charms the audience and wins their approval. This pivotal moment marks the shift of focus from John's star power to Esther's rising talent.

Concert Venue
7

Wedding Proposal

After their whirlwind romance and a series of successful performances, John and Esther rush into marriage. Despite John's reservations about being 'no good' for her, they tie the knot, showcasing their passionate yet tumultuous relationship.

Civil Union Office
8

Building a Life Together

John takes Esther to a plot of land he owns where they begin building a house. Their relationship faces challenges as Esther dreams of touring together, but John resists, preferring to keep her to himself. Tension arises over John's reckless behavior and refusal to support Esther's ambitions.

Land Plot
9

Esther's Solo Success

As Esther's tour takes off, John's inability to reignite his career becomes evident. After being dismissed by his former band, he grapples with his self-worth while Esther steadily climbs the ranks of stardom. Their divergent paths create strain in their marriage.

Various Concert Venues
10

Grammy Awards Turmoil

During the Grammy Awards, John arrives intoxicated while Esther is receiving an award. He makes a scene, further ostracizing himself from the industry and embarrassing Esther. Their attempt to escape the media frenzy culminates in a physical altercation.

Grammy Awards
11

Esther's Tour Continuation

Following the awards chaos, Esther continues her successful solo tour, while John's career spirals downward. Despite Brian's efforts to help John, the music producer realizes that John is beyond salvage and is ultimately left to his own devices.

Various Tour Locations
12

Tragic Accident

In a reckless act of driving, John is involved in a fatal car accident after ignoring traffic signs. Esther's despair is palpable as she rushes to him, but it's too late. This tragedy marks a turning point in the story, presenting Esther with unbearable grief.

Airport
13

John's Funeral & Esther's Tribute

At John's funeral, the somber atmosphere is juxtaposed with the DJ recognizing John as one of the greats. During her concert, Esther pays tribute to him by singing one of his songs, signifying her enduring love and the impact of their relationship on her life.

Funeral Procession
14

Esther's Emotional Healing

Following John's death, Esther struggles with her feelings and attempts to move forward. She looks back on their time together, reflecting on the love and turmoil they shared. This marks the beginning of her journey toward finding peace within herself.

Esther's Home

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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