Before there was Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga, there was Judy Garland/James Mason. Marking Garland’s return to cinema after a four year absence, George Cukor’s film of 1954 was a memorable version that, 67 years later, many call the definitive.

Hollywood actor Norman Maine’s (James Mason) star is on the wane, but when he meets aspiring actress Esther Blodgett (Judy Garland), he is inspired to help her; soon, the two appear in a musical together, and her career is launched. Changing her name to Vicki Lester, she marries Norman and finds herself in hot demand, while Norman’s reputation continues to disintegrate, resulting in alcoholism. Eventually, Vicki must choose between moving forward with her career and attempting to save someone who may not be saved.