Many people know the campy horror flick “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and the 1945 noir thriller that won Crawford her Oscar, “Mildred Pierce.”
These three films, available to rent for less than $5 on Prime and suggested by Scott Eyman, author of “Joan Crawford: A Woman’s Face,” give you a deeper look at Crawford.
‘Grand Hotel,’ 1931
The plot: Comings and goings among intriguing characters in a fancy Berlin hotel.
Joan’s leading man: She plays a streetwise stenographer who meets a broke baron (played by John Barrymore), an accountant who thinks he’s dying (played by Lionel Barrymore) and a creepy businessman who wants her to be his mistress (played by Wallace Beery).
Why it’s notable: This is the movie where Greta Garbo, playing a world-weary ballet dancer, says: “I want to be alone.” Even Garbo is no match for the young Crawford, who shows off her natural swagger.
‘Possessed,’ 1932
The plot: Poor small-town factory worker escapes to New York. She falls in love with an up-and-coming politician, whose ambition tests their love.
Joan’s leading man: Clark Gable, pre-moustache and drop-dead handsome.
Why it’s notable: Joan’s character makes sacrifices that make this feel like a modern movie. Plus, her costumes by Adrian! Crawford in a draped, backless gown and Gable in a tux — that’s glamour.
‘Sudden Fear,’ 1952
The plot: Heiress playwright Myra Hudson (Crawford, then 47) marries an actor with a shady past. Heartbreak and horror ensue.
Joan’s leading man: Jack Palance (then 33).
Why it’s notable: if you know Jack Palance only from “City Slickers” in 1991, you’ll want to see the young Palance, whose face is so chiseled, his cheekbones could slice a brick of cheddar. Crawford is aging in this film, and it’s refreshing to see a 40-something face that has not been Botoxed, filled and lifted. Bonus: A young Mike Connors (TV’s “Mannix”) shows up in a small role.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Rent these gems to take you beyond Joan Crawford’s ‘Mommie Dearest’ image
Reporting by Jan Tuckwood / Palm Beach Post
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