On Becoming a Star…Good Advice from Norman Maine

JamesMason JudyGarland A Star is Born

Listen to me, Esther, a career is a curious thing. Talent isn’t always enough. You need a sense of timing – an eye for seeing the turning point or recognizing the big chance when it comes along and grabbing it. A career can rest on a trifle. Like – like us sitting here tonight. Or it can turn on somebody saying to you, ‘You’re better than that. You’re better than you know.’ Don’t settle for the little dream. Go on to the big one…Scared? Scared to take the plunge? Don’t ever forget how good you are. And hang on to that. Because I’m right. [pause] I just want to take another look at you.

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12 Comments

  1. June 2, 2014

    Love this quote.

    • June 3, 2014

      And James Mason was perfectly cast…

      • June 3, 2014

        He was usually perfectly cast . . . .

  2. June 2, 2014

    Judy Garland is fab in this movie, of course, but I adore James Mason’s performance.

    Great photo!

    • June 3, 2014

      H, that is just what I needed to read. Love it!

      • June 3, 2014

        Is the kind of movie that sticks with you, like the characters are living it…

    • June 3, 2014

      Do you know Cary Grant turned down the role because he was concerned about Judy Garland’s substance issues?

  3. George Kaplan
    June 2, 2014

    James Mason’s voice is exquisite! And Norman had a wise head on his shoulders…apart from when he was, well, stinko – blotto – plastered – intoxicated – boozed up to the eyeballs – roaring drunk, of course…!

    • June 3, 2014

      A complex character superbly portrayed!

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