A Star Is Born

(William A. Wellman, US 1937, 115 min., 35mm)

Nitrate Picture Show Festival Favorite. A fresh-faced farm girl goes to Hollywood and becomes a star, but her rise to the top is accompanied by heartbreak and tragedy. The second of four versions of this Tinseltown myth is arguably the best, featuring brilliant dramatic work by Janet Gaynor as the rising young star and Fredric March as her alcoholic has-been actor husband. This original Technicolor nitrate print will dazzle your eyes!

At 6:30 p.m. Nitrate Picture Show Executive Director Jared Case and Technical Director Deborah Stoiber will be conducting a free introductory talk entitled "Nitrate 101." This talk will explain the origins of nitrocellulose, how it came to be used as the first standard for motion picture film, the challenges of conserving and exhibiting the stock, and why fans from around the world flock to Rochester to experience it first-hand.