In an intro film class, I was asked about the origin of the term "star." I puffed up & pontificated, with a little studio history & a little Dyer (whose book I can't find here), but my student's question was more obvious and more difficult. Why was "star," the astronomical term, selected to label charismatic and marketable actors? Was this a theater term first? Did Americans fix the term, or take it from Europe? Do we know who (or what studio, newspaper etc.) first used the term "star"? Again in the few books I have readily available to me, I can't find much help. I'd welcome help, on or off list. Thanks, Grady Ballenger ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]