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Barbra Streisand stole the show in the 1976 version of A Star is Born. From executive producing to acting to composing original scores, it comes as no surprise that she walked away with multiple awards for her work. With all of the success Streisand achieved, it’s very easy to overlook the rest of the elements that made this movie a success.
1. Elvis Presley wanted top billing.
Originally producers wanted Elvis for the male lead. While the King was interested in the role, his salary demands and request for top billing had producers questioning box office numbers. Since Presley hadn’t appeared in a film since 1969, they weren't convinced he’d be successful in the role. Presley’s manager had a few concerns as well, and eventually both parties declined to move forward.
2. Production put on a real concert!
The famous scene of Streisand and Kristofferson performing the film's signature song “Evergreen” required a packed audience at a large arena. The crew figured the best way to get the shots they needed was to throw a real concert. Tickets were sold for as low as $3.50 and more than 45,000 people showed up to Arizona State University’s Devil Stadium to see their favorite stars.
3. Streisand co-wrote “Evergreen."
Streisand partnered with Paul Williamsto craft the film's love theme “Evergreen." Originally, the lyrics were different. Williams said, “I called [Barbra] and said, 'You know what, flip those two first lines, because it sings better…They'll probably laugh us out of the theatres for starting a love song with a line about a chair, but I think it works better that way.'" The song went on win a Golden Globe, Oscar, and Grammy.
