V is for Voice: When Joan Sings

Joan is mostly known as a bonafide actress and dancer, but I think only few people know that she could sing, too.

Yes, Joan was a triple threat!

I’ve come across comments attacking Joan’s voice, but it wasn’t really that bad. It’s rather good, in fact. She wasn’t trained to be a singer, but she had a truly unique and enchanting voice.

The world heard her sing for the very first time in the all-star, all-talking picture, The Hollywood Revue of 1929:

In her later movies, she was dubbed by singers like India Adams, but in her late 20s and 30s pictures, her own singing voice could be heard.

(Untamed, 1929)

(Possessed, 1931)

(The Bride Wore Red, 1937)

Here, listen to her. We may have mixed opinions, but for me, she had the voice of an angel— natural, soothing, and real. Contrary to those who say she can’t carry a tune, well I think you need to adjust your earphones:

(Montana Moon, 1930)

(Mannequin, 1937)

(Private recording of I See Your Face Before Me, 1938)

(Something’s Gotta Happen Soon, from The Ice Follies of 1939)

(Flamingo Road, 1949)

(Torch Song, 1953)

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best, videos from Youtube)

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)