Esther Blodgett is just another starry-eyed farm kid trying to break into the movies. Waitressing at a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of her idol Norman Maine, is sent for a screen test, and before long attains stardom as newly minted Vicki Lester. She and Norman marry, though his career soon dwindles to nothing due to his chronic alcoholism.

Janet Gaynor
as Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester

Fredric March
as Norman Maine

Adolphe Menjou
as Oliver Niles

May Robson
as Lettie Blodgett

Andy Devine
as Danny McGuire

Lionel Stander
as Matt Libby

Owen Moore
as Casey Burke

Peggy Wood
as Miss Phillips

Elizabeth Jenns
as Anita Regis

Edgar Kennedy
as Pop Randall
CinemaSerf
Janet Gaynor was at the top of her game with the almost Dickens' inspired name "Esther Blodgett" - an aspiring actress who moves to Hollywood and happens upon a drunken, self-destructive "Norman Maine" (Fredric March) as she waitresses at a party. His star is definitely on the wain, but he sees some...