In Search of the Real Joan Crawford

One of the most outrageous movie characters of all time is Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Joan Crawford in “Mommie Dearest,” a movie based on the best selling tell-all book by Crawford's adopted daughter Christina.

In the film, Joan Crawford is presented as a selfish, drunk, ego-maniac who terrorizes her children and fights with everyone in Hollywood all the while presenting herself as a cool, sophisticated movie star to the public.

The film single handedly cemented Joan Crawford as camp icon for drag queens to emulate but is it a an accurate portrayal of the real Crawford?

Today, we take a look at the person behind Hollywood legend Joan Crawford- did she actually say “Don’t’ fuck with me fellas!,” “I’m mad at the dirt!,” or “No wire hangers!?” Did she really write that letter complaining about Bette Davis’ gag worthy smell?

Joining us is historian Bryan Johnson, who was inspired by Joan Crawford’s film “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” to create "The Concluding Chapter of Crawford," a website museum dedicated to the last two decades of the actress’ life. (It's pretty awesome, definitely check it out.)


Bryan Johnson in front of the home used to film the exterior shots of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
Plus-- are you more like Joan Crawford or Bette Davis? Take this quiz and find out!



• Best of Feast of Fun, originally posted as FOF #2359 - In Search of the Real Joan Crawford - 07.18.16