By early 1951, Judy Garland was considered a Hollywood has-been.  Fired by the biggest studio of them all - MGM - at the ripe old age of 28, she was considered too risky an investment for the other studios.  Therefore, she began the second phase of her career -- "the concert years."  Following smash engagements throughout the country, she opened at the Palace in New York City, single-handedly bringing back vaudeville-style entertainment, if only for a limited time.  In 1953, her new manager (and soon-to-be hubsand) Sid Luft signed a contract with Warner Bros. for Garland to make a film there, with the option of two more after that.  Garland had long wanted to star in a filn version of A Star is Born (she had done it on radio in the '40s).  The film took nine months to film, and the premiere was set to be a huge event.

NBC and Warner Bros. decided to take advantage of all the hype and publicity surrounding Garland's comback film, and WB contracted for A Star is Born have the world's first televised premiere.  Hollywood stars were out in droves that night -- as well as thousands of regular Joes and Joans in the crowds outside the Pantages Theatre.  Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were among the many stars in attendance.  The following is the dialogue between Lucy (looking beautiful in a white gown), Desi (in tuxedo), and one of the hosts, Larry Finley, then a Los Angeles media host of that era's Late Show.

In fact, Garland lost the 1955 Best Actress Oscar (sources say by just a few votes) to Grace Kelly's performance in The Country Girl with Bing Crosby.  James Mason (and Crosby) lost the Best Actor award to Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront.  Director George Cukor was not even nominated.  The film was nominated for - but lost - four other Academy Awards as well.  So much for "the world's greatest handicapper"!