Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography

By: Lawrence J. Quirk, William Schoell

Narrated by: Jim Bratton

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

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)

Great insight into the star

Very insightful and interesting. I’m sure much more truth than mommie dearest. Great stories and close look at the way Joan became a star and fought to stay there.

Four stars, not Five

I would have given the book five stars, but I happen to believe that Christina Crawford is telling the truth about her child abuse. So did much of Hollywood. Both authors practically called her a liar. However, other than their smear on Christina and her adopted brother Christopher, I appreciated the text describing Joan's career and life. She needed this kind of attention because she deserves a critical look at her life, movies and times.

Must buy

I’m glad this was released on audio book. It balances most the stories about Joan out there. Thank you.

Captivating

Very informative , fair and well written! Lots of insights to the movie industry.

I was expecting more

I like the perspective the author introduced showing Joan in a human tone and not the Mommy Dearest caricature but I wanted to hear more about Joan the person. Most of the book just talks about her movies. Also the narrator was very monotone.