Joan Crawford wanted a career in show business because it was much more glamorous than the odd jobs she was working. She won a dance contest which landed her a job in a chorus line. After two years, she moved to the movie colony of Hollywood. She felt movies might afford her a chance of fame and glory. She was determined to succeed and succeed she did.
One of my favorite Joan Crawford movies is Mildred Pierce. After her cheating husband leaves her, Crawford’s character proves she can become independent and successful, but she still can’t win the approval of her spoiled daughter.
In The Women, released in 1939, Crawford plays the ruthless and husband-stealing Crystal Allen. The movie also stars Rosalind Russell and Norma Shearer. This movie has been remade several times, most recently in 2008 with Meg Ryan and Annette Bening.
Also available at Perrot is The Joan Crawford Collection Volume 2, which includes A Woman’s Face, Flamingo Road, Sadie McKee, Strange Cargo, and Torch Song.
–The DVD Diva
