

The Star
“The story of a woman...who thought she was a star so high in the sky no man could touch her!”
Synopsis
Actress Margaret Elliot is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen, and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen, Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Star - Original Theatrical TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-02-10
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Bette Davis
Margaret Elliot
Sterling Hayden
Jim Johannsen aka Barry Lester
Natalie Wood
Gretchen
Warner Anderson
Harry Stone
Minor Watson
Joe Morrison
June Travis
Phyllis Stone
Paul Frees
Richard Stanley
Robert Warwick
R.J. an Aging Actor at Party
Barbara Lawrence
Barbara Lawrence
Fay Baker
Faith
Herb Vigran
Roy
Marie Blake
The Stones' Maid Annie (uncredited)
Claire Carleton
Jailbird (uncredited)
Marcia Mae Jones
Waitress (uncredited)
William H. O'Brien
Waiter at Party (uncredited)
Joe Gilbert
Party Guest (uncredited)
Herschel Graham
Party Guest (uncredited)
Sam Harris
Party Guest (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 11, 1952
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 1, 2000
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Stuart Heisler
- Screenplay & Story
- Katherine Albert, Dale Eunson
- Original Score
- Victor Young
- Original Title
- The Star
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Bert E. Friedlob Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Stuart Heisler
Katherine Albert, Dale Eunson
Victor Young
Ernest Laszlo
Bert E. Friedlob
Department Leadership Roster
Orry-Kelly
Costume Design
Stuart Heisler
Director
Katherine Albert
Screenplay
Dale Eunson
Screenplay
Ernest Laszlo
Director of Photography
Bert E. Friedlob
Producer
Victor Young
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Star.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Star.
list2
Periodic import List
Bette Davis
HBO Max US - Romance Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Max (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Missing Mine
FILMS ABOUT FILM
Imported from MUBI list: https://mubi.com/en/lists/films-about-film--4
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Star
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Star about?
Actress Margaret Elliot is well past her prime but refuses to retire from the acting business. Despite entreaties from both her daughter, Gretchen, and one-time professional colleague Jim Johannsen, Margaret remains convinced that she can regain her former glory. As she sets her sights on a coveted Hollywood role, Johannsen tries doggedly to get his unrequited love to see the folly of her ways.
Who directed The Star?
The Star was directed by Stuart Heisler.
Who stars in The Star?
The principal cast of The Star includes Bette Davis, Sterling Hayden, Natalie Wood, Warner Anderson, Minor Watson.
When was The Star released and how long is it?
The Star was released in 1952 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
Who composed the musical score for The Star?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Star was composed by Victor Young.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Star?
The Star holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).




















