ABOUT THE DISC & RECORDINGS:

At first glance the album art for this release suggests that it's a radio version of Judy's 1954 film A Star Is Born. A closer look reveals that it's really the complete 60 minute "Lux Radio Theater" version of the 1937 film, as heard on CBS Radio on December 28, 1942.

This was one of Judy's favorite radio performances. After she performed it on this broadcast, legend has it that she lobbied MGM to do a musical remake of the 1937 Janet Gaynor, Frederic March film that this broadcast was based on. MGM scoffed at the idea of "America's Singing Sweetheart" Judy Garland playing a character married to an alcoholic. It was too serious a subject matter for the MGM musicals of the time. Of course, after she left MGM, Judy's big film comeback was the 1954 musical version of the story, just as she had wanted to do for so long. The film is a masterpiece.

This album was also released in 1985 by Radiola on CD, No. CDMR 1155. The images above and to the right are the front and back of the LP release.

This performance is currently available as a part of the CD set "The Smithsonian presents Judy Garland" released in 2005 by Radio Spirits, Inc.

All images on this page from the collection of Scott Brogan.