A Star Is Born

I just got back from the Orpheum Theatre in Historic L.A., where tonight, as part of the "Last Remaining Seats" conservatory project, the 1954 version of A Star Is Born was shown. The screening included some scenes that were cut from the original film. Since all that remained of these scenes were the audio--the film itself was apparently lost or too degraded for use--they were shown as series of snapshots with the audio playing in the background. The total running time of the film, including deleted scenes, was 179 minutes plus a 20-minute Intermission.

It was a wonderful experience. The audience was probably the best I've sat with; full of film students/experts, classic movie buffs, and actors in training, its rapture with Judy Garland was tangible. We applauded and cheered after Garland's many amazing performances, we sniffled in unison at the tragic downfall of Norman Maines. It was worth all 3 1/2 hours.