William A. Wellman directs this classic drama starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. The story follows Hollywood actor Norman Maine (March), once a revered actor but now with a dwindling career.

At a Hollywood party he meets young waitress Esther Blodgett (Gaynor), herself a wannabe actress, and he offers to help her land her first job. Maine persuades his producer to give Esther a screen test, in which she emerges victorious. He suggests a name change and so Esther Blodgett becomes Vicki Lester, along with an image overhaul, however, as her career takes off, his grinds to a halt.

Can their relationship survive once the tables have turned?