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Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography

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Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography

By: Lawrence J. Quirk, William Schoell
Narrated by: Jim Bratton
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About this listen

Joan Crawford was a leading film personality for more than 50 years, from her beginnings as a dancer in silent films of the 1920s, to her portrayals of working-class shop girls in the Depression '30s, to her Oscar-winning performances in classic films such as Mildred Pierce. Crawford's legacy has become somewhat tarnished in the wake of her daughter Christina's memoir, Mommie Dearest, which turned her into a national joke.

Today, many picture Crawford only as a wire hanger-wielding shrew rather than the personification of Hollywood glamour. This new biography of Crawford sets the record straight, going beyond the gossip to find the truth about the legendary actress. The authors knew Crawford well and conducted scores of interviews with her and many of her friends and co-stars, including Frank Capra, George Cukor, Nicholas Ray, and Sidney Greenstreet. Far from a whitewash, Crawford was indeed a colorful and difficult character. Joan Crawford corrects many lies and tells the story of one of Hollywood's most influential stars, complete with on-set anecdotes and other movie lore.

The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky.

©2002 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2018 Redwood Audiobooks Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Biography

Critic reviews

"A thoroughgoing, evenhanded review of Crawford's life and work… neither academic nor gossipy but rather confessional, as if they are eager to set the record straight." (Library Journal)

"An expert overview of the temperamental diva's career." (Film Review)

"Expert.... The woman who emerges from these pages was tough, demanding, self-obsessed, horny, generous, and loyal." (Bay Area Reporter)
All stars
Most relevant
Although this was a very engaging book it was definitely very one sided, written by a man who simply cannot stop gushing over Joan. the narration is truly awful. over acted and hokey!

Fascinating book, hokey performance!

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This is an interesting book about an interesting woman who seems to have really lived her life.
I don’t think it comes close to objectivity though. The tone often takes on an air of defensiveness, especially the heavy handed section on Mommie Dearest and the subject of alcoholism towards the end. Nonetheless it’s a decent listen even if just because of its star.

Interesting life

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I dislike this apologists so called biography...of Joan Crawford....it was more of an attack on her adopted daughter....which he had no idea of unless he had been told of by Crawford....anyway,I believe Christina was I'll treated.and if showed real love from a woman who adopted two children more as props that to love....any that is my option of her.and I cannot believe the spite of it,and the most unpleasant man..Who Was Not There...

More if this mans hatred...than a true picture.

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