M is for Memorable Roles: Joan’s Unforgettable Characters

I used my body, my face, my walk, my mannerisms to project what the character is.

– Joan Crawford

Joan’s career, which spanned almost half a century, spawned over 83 films— from silents to talkies to technicolor. With these pictures, she was given a wide variety of roles: extra, chorine, flapper, shopgirl, the other woman, scarred lady, trucking magnate, restaurant owner, dancer, stenographer, playwright, Western boss, crippled lady, psychotic woman, circus owner, doctor… all the possible roles you could imagine!

But out of all the characters she portrayed, there are few which definitely stand out until now. These roles have cemented her name in the motion picture industry and made her beyond famous. These characters have made their way into our hearts, as well. Sometimes, we even associate Joan with the roles she played. That’s how big the impact of her roles are.

Here are, in my opinion, Joan’s most memorable roles ever:

(Nanon Zanzi in The Unknown, 1927)

(Diana Medford in Our Dancing Daughters, 1928)

(Marian Martin in Possessed, 1931)

(Letty Lynton in Letty Lynton, 1932)

(Sadie Thompson in Rain, 1932)

(Janie Barlow in Dancing Lady, 1933)

(Sadie McKee in Sadie McKee, 1934)

(Crystal Allen in The Women, 1939)

(Anna Holm in A Woman’s Face, 1941)

(Mildred Pierce in Mildred Pierce, 1945)

(Helen Wright in Humoresque, 1946)

(Louise Howell in Possessed, 1947)

(Myra Hudson in Sudden Fear, 1952)

(Jenny Stewart in Torch Song, 1953)

(Vienna in Johnny Guitar, 1954)

(Eva Phillips in Queen Bee, 1955)

(Millicent Wetherby in Autumn Leaves, 1956)

(Blance Hudson in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, 1962)

(Lucy Harbin in Strait Jacket, 1964)

Agree or disagree? Feel free to comment— just no bashing or irrational, violent reactions. 🙂 Thank you!

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(All photos from Joan Crawford Best)

C is for Costumes Galore: Joan’s Memorable Film Costumes

Costumes hold a very important role in movies, especially those made in Hollywood’s Golden Era. Whether it’s Bette Davis’ stunning (and sinful) red gown in Jezebel (1938), or Vivien Leigh’s outstanding Southern number in Gone With The Wind (1939), these costumes have stayed in people’s minds longer than expected.

As one of Hollywood’s legends, Joan also had her share of awesome and memorable costumes. She’s even credited for the invention (and fame) of the shoulder pads in the 40s.

Here’s a quick tour:

(As Bobby the showgirl in Pretty Ladies (1925), her first credited role)

(Nanon’s circus getup in The Unknown (1927))

(Dangerous Diana’s cute dress in Our Dancing Daughters (1928))

(Flaemmchen’s stenographer outfit in Grand Hotel (1932), also starring the Barrymore brothers (John and Lionel), Greta Garbo and Wallace Beery)

(Sadie Thompson in Rain (1932))

(This is probably her most famous costume. Ladies and gentlemen, the unforgettable gown with puffy shoulders in Letty Lynton (1932))

(Another well-known gown from Letty Lynton (1932))

(Elegant gown in Sadie McKee (1934)

(Her gown in The Bride Wore Red (1937), which still exists today. Hurrah!)

(As Crystal Allen in The Women (1939), also starring Norma Shearer and Rosalind Russell)

(Of course… Mildred’s “padded” fur coat in Mildred Pierce (1945))

(As Jenny Stewart in Torch Song (1953))

(Jenny’s blackface number in Torch Song (1953))

(Vienna’s cowgirl outfit in Johnny Guitar (1954))

(Eva’s stunning black gown in Queen Bee (1955))

(Lastly, Lucy Harbin’s floral ensemble in Strait Jacket (1964))

Cheers to you and your amazing costumes, Joan! ❤

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

 

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best)