I was the oldest child in the family. My dad was very abusive to me verbally and physically. Since I was the oldest, all the responsibilities were on my shoulders. If my younger siblings got in trouble, it was my fault. My dad would hit me with a belt and coat hangers. To this day, I don't speak to my parents especially my dad. My dad was the most abusive and cruel. Forgive the people who have hurt me in the past? Hell, no. Nothing can fix the misery I felt as a kid.
JOAN CRAWFORD was a real beauty, who kept her fit figure throughout her life. Her face changed to a scary level as she got older. Made a lot of marvellous films. God bless her. xx
For those of you who doubt Christina's story, the reporter who witnessed Joan's attack on Christina in the scene before she ends up in a convent...was Kitty Carlisle. She spoke up when people began to attack Christina. Joan was an out of control manic depressive narcissist.
You took the words right out of my mouth, bipolar narcissistic, was my first impression, I've had some long term relationships in my life with them, she was more than likely without empathy, incapable of love!
Joan Crawford was a phony crazy person. All you have to do is watch an interview with her to see her phoniness. She just looks evil. I think the book is true.
she was the finest actress of her time, undermined by peers and journalists alike, She was like none other and she loved the camera in a way nobody else did....
Crawford's original name was Lucille LeSeur. Her upbringing was horrific-abandonment and orphanages. She literally clawed her way up. Cruelty is never excused; she was very damaged. She deserves compassion, too.
In my opinion, I believe Christina. As for the people who claimed Joan was not abusive, it's easier to deny anything than to involve yourself in anything. And besides who would say anything bad about the great Joan Crawford ? People don't make things up like that. There was obviously something going on in that home that caused Christina a great deal of pain. & I feel for her.
Christina did not start telling this story until Joan disinherited her. I believe there was probably abuse but I think mostly she takes great pleasure in smearing this woman because she is vindictive.
Michelle Robinson Vindictive my behind, Joan Crawfords own personal secretary confirmed the abuse happened and more people came out in support of the daughter confirming they saw multiple instances of abuse. Her two other children were also the ones left in the will so or course they are going to take her side. Jeez some of you people should actually do research before you spout your nonsense.
Her secretary did NOT "confirm" that anything happened! What a pile of bull!!! Her secretary was Betty Barker, and she has always said the exact OPPOSITE. In fact Christina couldn't stand her because she always called out for her lies. Damn, even Christina's defenders have to make shit up.
Talk about casting the first stone! You never had the total fear, especially from your parent, and Especially your mother, who should protect you! God bless Christina. She should have had the perfect life. She is the bravest among the brave souls who, in spite of the hatred shown from exposing a vile monster, is a survivor.
lol I miss E, when they exposed the "truth" I use quotes because we really don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but now it seems the E channel is just obsessed with glorifying celebrities as almost god-like which is kind of demented. I like Pre-Kardashian era, I miss True Hollywood Story.
Although I feel sorry for Christina & Christopher, I can't help but feel bad for Joan as well. I believe that Joan Crawford was a good person and loved and cared for her children to the best of her abilities. But being an alcoholic with bipolar and having a rough childhood, she had a lot of personal demons and she sadly took it out on her children, and they had to suffer because of it which is extremely unfortunate. It's still no excuse though the way she acted towards her children, but I feel like she was just a very tortured soul.
In 1942 Joan did a film called "They all kissed the Bride" and donated her ENTIRE salary of $125,000 00 to the American Red Cross ....(WWII) So, come on ! Give her a break!
Amazing how delusional people can be when they are fans of an actress. Whether you people want to admit it or not Joan Crawfords own personal secretary confirmed her stories of abuse and more people came out in support of the daughters claims then the other way around saying they witnessed the abuse. But go ahead believe the two daughters who inherited all that wasn't given to charity and had a bone to pick with her since she sued over the will and an ex husband who had a reputation to uphold. As for the friends denying her claims easy to do that when you don't want people to think you ignored children being abused. All who denied it had a reason to say it didn't happen. But go ahead support a child abuser because you don't want your image of her tainted.
That beardy man in the vid, is a Joan Crawford fan and even he said he is glad she isn't his mother. Also Eve Arden (one of Joan's friends and colleagues) noted Joan was seriously flawed. I read Cheryl Crane's memoirs and she said she hung with her nanny and the other nannies and overheard stories like how Joan would strap down Christopher; later she went to the same Catholic boarding school as Christina and noted Christina to be defeated and witnessed that Christina had to not participate in Senior class activities because of her Mother's say so.
Exactly. It's heartbreaking to see people dismissing Christina's claims she was abused. And using the fact she's a 'difficult person' to discredit her claims- so what if she is? Doesn't mean the abuse didn't happen. And I think anyone would grow up to be 'difficult' after that much abuse.
So you’re the saying that the daughters who inherited money can lie, but the one who didn’t *wouldn’t* lie? Why, then, did she wait till her mother was dead and buried to bring up all this supposed abuse? I have heard interviews when Joan was alive where adult Christina has nothing but good things to say about her mother and how she has helped and supported her. Maybe Joan got frustrated with Christina, but there are two sides to every story and we’ve only heard one ‘cause Christina ensured that.
Marvin Krumholt, that's true. One child was reclaimed by his natural mother (lucky for him). And yes, I lived through a similar experience, and it's not uncommon for some children (often the younger ones) to have a different perspective. People who don't believe Christina or who think she shouldn't talk about it don't want to admit that their favorite movie star was not who they thought she was. Most abusers know how to put up a facade to hide how abusive they are.
I strongly suggest people look up Myrna Loy's own recollections of Christina. Loy worked with her on stage and said she was EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. Translate that into an extremely difficult 12 year old child. I believe Joan tried her best but with the emotional scarring of her own childhood- not to mention the stress of maintaining her career in a cutthroat industry- she was ill-equipped mentally to deal with a stubborn, willful child (which is what many recall Christina to be). PS- at Joan's memorial service, when Christina walked in, Myrna Loy got up and walked out.
oh please............. joan was difficult and EVERYONE says so.... Christina may have had issues to and it is understandable because look who mommy was.... and the stint taking Christina's place on the soap when the girl was ill? I remember my mom and aunt talking about that saying how silly she looked trying to play such a young girl and why did they let her do it. loy was no saint herself. in fact she had all sorts of affairs, with men and women and of course being so close to joan........ would be why she did not like Christina
I believe Christina & her brother. They lived it. The other two daughters were way too young to see them get abused. Joan had mellowed by the time they grew. Christina's not lying. Joan was spoiled & used to having her way. & How she wanted it , hence "Mommie Dearest"
mnmcv1, maybe it didn't occur to Loy that her pal Joan wasn't the best mother on the planet either. No matter how a child behaves, they have no power in a situation and can't defend themselves. So by that logic that you are spouting, any child who misbehaves or acts out should be beaten, sent away or subjected to emotional abuse? Yes, Joan was scarred by her own childhood, but did she forget how the years of mistreatment made her feel? She seemed to have felt justified to take out all the injustice done to her onto Christina and Christopher (who did back up Christina, by the way). Some people's priorities are out of whack, to say the least. Check out Bob Thomas' biography of Joan, published before "Mommie Dearest" which confirms that Joan was abusive with eyewitness testimony.
I have to laugh at the comments made at 16:30. "The next 10 years after Mildred Pierce, Crawford managed to make a dozen or so pretty forgettable films..." Who is he kidding???? Forgettable films? Humoresque....Sudden Fear, Queen Bee, Flamingo Road, Harriet Craig, The Damn Don't Cry? She would receive two more academy award nominations? Good grief she was making in her prime at this time with Warner Brothers. I know they have to make this crap up to create this "scandalous" pitch for their show, but here is someone, regardless of what you think about her, lead one helluva life. You really don't need to dramatize and try to portray her as someone who got lucky with one script and won an Oscar and then never made another decent movie in the next 10 years. lol It's just nonsense.
I had the dubious pleasure of meeting CC when she had her b and b in Idaho. She struck me as a vapid narcissist with little interest in any subject beyond herself..
I have no evidence as to the veracity of her claims and can only speculate. Was Joan a bad mother? Probably. Was Christina a bad daughter? Equally likely. Peace
I love the earth, its a giant comedy, a rotating sitcom, the only place people can put other human beings on top of a pedestal as if they were gods, and then become shocked and apalled at the fact that these people are actually human, human beings who aren't perfect and have faults. Do you know how many "bad" mothers have been on the earth? There are mothers who killed their children, or sold their children for $20 bucks. If you ask me Christina Crawford had it great!
Garbo did it right. She knew she wasn't photographing well anymore. She knew once a woman got to a certain age her career in movies was over. She exited graciously and lived the rest of her life the way she wanted to.
Yes I have read articles and seen documentaries. No, I don't take Christina's word as the only truth. There are people who knew Joan who stated that she was abusive to Christina & they had a very difficult relationship. I believe Joan was a very damaged person,& I also believe that Christina is. At this point, either people believe Christina or Joan. She can't truly harm Joan anymore, only her legacy. No one (including "witnesses" to incidents) will never know the full truth. That's my opinion.
i think joan was what you call an "a" type personality, maybe even a "aaa", it would seem everything she did was geared toward her career or image, not the sign of a happy or content person, usually the sign of someone desperately seeking attention and that's usually a case of not getting any as a child. add in her rough years in kansas city and you can imagine how she would spend her life running from her past. not as uncommon as you would think.
Were you there? Only Christina Crawford and Christopher Crawford know what really happened. If someone, ANYONE....gets vulnerable enough to talk about abuse, I believe what they say. Joan Crawford was an amazing screen actor, and I love her performances (even the bad ones!) But that doesn't mean she wasn't a troubled, complex, and yes- abusive woman!
This episode would sound more credible if they mentioned Crawford's two younger daughters especially since they disagree with the older daughter's viewpoint of their mother.
Dry cleaning comes back on wire hangers. It was probably one of Christina's "chores" to put the dry cleaning into her closet and being a kid she didn't bother transferring the clothes from the dry cleaner's hangers to the nice ones. Just a guess...
I grew up thinking of Joan as the Mommy Dearest character. I now believe the daughter was exaggerating and jealous of her mother’s success. Too many others have vouched for Joan’s decent character. It’s a shame the smear came after her death which didn’t allow her to defend herself and forever ruined her reputation.
its no different when children get raped by their father and no one believes them.People let The Movie star shine so bright it blinds them from what could be truth. youve never held a conversation with her never slept at her house your just a fan.movies make you love people you never knew or will never know.Joans oscar worthy talent dosnt make it unbelievable.
This is one of those unfortunately situation. Where were never gonna know the Truth, Because Joan died in '77 and Christina has never changed her story. But one thing is for dam sho... For whatever reason Christina has a nasty attitude towards Joan. Now maybe that's because of year's of abuse or it's just jealousy. But like I said we're never gonna know for sure. "Joan rest well" This was filmed over 20 yrs ago...I hope Christina has made her peace with this for her own happiness and sanity!
joan crawford was absolutely beautiful when she was younger...and for everybody slingling mud...there's not a hollywood star that hasn't screwed something or someone on there way to the top...love me some Joan Crawford....should she have adopted children probably not..but when you had someone who didn't like her i.e. bette davis who said that book was B.S....you know something aint right with the book,,,
@@OasisJones I don’t need to read up on it. my mother was a narcissist and an alcoholic. And she didn’t brainwash me into thinking that she wasn’t physically abusive. I am a sentient being who can see and hear. That’s how I know she wasn’t.
@@larrydirtybird so those girls have the exact same brain wiring that you do? I never knew! Watch interviews of these two talking about Joan, they look like they’re about to burst into a puddle. Everyone calls Christina a liar, why can’t these two be lying about how loving Joan was? Plenty of children protect their idealized image of a parent who treated them like shit.
Did you even fucking hear what led to that happening? It says a lot about her fans that they can’t accept anything less than perfection from their idol.
@@OasisJones Or maybe she had a stroke because she was out of shape. It happens to people all the time. There is no proof that her mother caused her stroke at all. Trying to blame other people for giving you strokes is comfort people for those who want to blame others for their problems. I know Joan Crawford was not a perfect person but for Christina to blame her strokes on her is unscientific bullshit.
"She was desperately sifting through scripts, husband had left her in 1946" In 1946 she had already made Mildred Pierce (1945), won the Academy Award (1946). She was back on top before hubby #3 left. She divorced him late 1945. She was GIVEN scripts and approval for everything in 1946. She was whipping Bette Davis' tail at Warners in 1946. Her low point was post MGM, 1943-1945. Phillip Terry (Hubby #3) was still around. She was not alone at her lowest point. Poor reporting....
Bette was still the queen at WB when Joan came, it’s just that Bette’s 50s career wasn’t as vibrant as Joan’s was because Joan indulged in a lot of campy melodramas and Bette’s more serious style (however theatrical) wasn’t finding the right scripts to show it.
I've never quite understood why some thought Joan was beautiful. She wasn't ugly but she was just a bit odd looking. I think a lot of men fell in love with her personality, she knew how to manipulate men very well and get exactly what she wanted.
Yeah I agree, she wasn’t exactly a beauty. She was nice looking sure, but she wasn’t drop dead gorgeous or anything. Her supposed attitude too makes it harder to see her as a beautiful person.
Crawford was never without a nearby sense of grievance, real or imagined, and the older she got the more it told on the outside, and the less the layering on of glamor managed to hide it.
Dave dvlaries Yes, from what I've read about her, she definitely had an ego that just got worse as she aged. Many people with low self esteem end up having that super ego to make up for their own lack of self worth. Seems her mom treated her very badly growing up and told her she was ugly and would never amount to anything. Guess she was trying to prove her wrong
This piece was so unbalanced. Why didn't they at least interview the other children that she raised? I don't think all of the stuff christina put in that book was true. She didn't decide to write it until after Joan Crawford decided not to leave her anything in her will.
Christopher and Cynthia are deceased, although maybe they were alive when this segment was filmed, but perhaps they didn't want to be interviewed? Christopher was a private person, but he did back up Christina.
Life in the orphanage would have been better? Joan was a wise woman. Most likely she told Christina to write that book. It's 2020 and people still know who Joan crawford is if only for that book. She knew how to make even the worst press work to her advantage.
Im fed up of hearing about christina. Christina to me is bang out of order. Who the hell tries to tarnish a dead persons name when they can not even defend themselves. But i think joan would be happy now. Chriatona has made joan more popular than ever!!
everybody beat their kids in those days. they would beat you until the blood ran down your legs with a switch. everybody did it. I love joan and I don't care what she did to those ungrateful, spoiled brats.
Bette davis daughter hated her too for having no mother daughter connection and neglect to show any regret or care about it.Bette and Joan where two women playing the hollywood game like men.That dosnt leave time for much Motherhood.
Whether or not Joan was an abused girl herself (and thus an abusive parent) is beside the point that no one ever seems to "get": Any woman who would INSIST that her children address her as "Mommie Dearest" (a sickening, saccharine moniker by any standards) has more than a score of screws loose.
but that's the whole point of this series and none of this is new, it was all said while she was still alive. Of course she denied it but who wouldn't?
Fair? That's the price you pay for fame. Many celebrities have tell all books written about them all the time rather they have a say in it or not. Who says life is fair
I agree with u - however, it's been recently discovered that Joan Crawford was, VERY early on, secretly married to a man named James ---- ( can't think of his last name). She divorced him after 1-2 years. This shifts the future husbands back one notch... So, that's : 1) James --- 2) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 3) Franchot Tone 4) Phillip Terry &, 5) the man she called the "love of my life" ( next to Clark Gable ) Alfred Nu Steele, Pepsi Prez.
It's the opposite actually...Joan's personally secretary Betty Baker went against it saying it wasn't true. I think you're thinking of Betty Hutton their neighbor.
When I read Christina's book (I was19) it was as she was talking about my mom, minus Holywood & Pepsi, mines is not an alcoholic, but my father is, Now I know about the dynamics of alcoholism,I go to Alanon sometimes But everyone I ever tried to disclose as a child dissmis me as crazy. I even got her mother to hate me, if I tried to reaaon about her douhter. I told her once I would never forgive her. The only human being at my most voulnerable moment (childhood).& she used me as a PUNCHING BAG
If Joan Crawford was as twisted as all that, how did she become the huge star she became? It amazes me that a woman as small as she was, from such a humble background, could be the monster that her daughter says she was. I am a bit skeptical about some of these claims, but I do believe she was controlling, and extremely tenacious.
I'm choosing not to believe this until I have empirical evidence. Why haven't we ever heard from Christopher? I've heard her other children, not mentioned here, say that she wasn't like that. Christina is the only one complaining. That former secretary might have been bitter about something as well. Christina's version made some money.
We miss the old E. Bring more show's like this back
At least make this series available for streaming!
Me too Hun I loved this show AJ Benza is a great guy
*shows
I was the oldest child in the family. My dad was very abusive to me verbally and physically. Since I was the oldest, all the responsibilities were on my shoulders. If my younger siblings got in trouble, it was my fault. My dad would hit me with a belt and coat hangers. To this day, I don't speak to my parents especially my dad. My dad was the most abusive and cruel. Forgive the people who have hurt me in the past? Hell, no. Nothing can fix the misery I felt as a kid.
I could relate to your situation! My mom was abusive to me once she and my father separated! This led to mental trauma
JOAN CRAWFORD was a real beauty, who kept her fit figure throughout her life. Her face changed to a scary level as she got older. Made a lot of marvellous films. God bless her. xx
"Joan had managed to dance...or whatever..." THE SHADE! THE SHADE!!
bmbrian lmaoo righy
For those of you who doubt Christina's story, the reporter who witnessed Joan's attack on Christina in the scene before she ends up in a convent...was Kitty Carlisle. She spoke up when people began to attack Christina. Joan was an out of control manic depressive narcissist.
You took the words right out of my mouth, bipolar narcissistic, was my first impression, I've had some long term relationships in my life with them, she was more than likely without empathy, incapable of love!
Kitty Carlisle was a difficult bitch...I knew her in Ogunquit, Me. She could be verbally abusive
Kitty Carlisle was a narcissist herself and very difficult to get along with....I knew her in Ogunquit,Me.....
Joan Crawford was a phony crazy person. All you have to do is watch an interview with her to see her phoniness. She just looks evil. I think the book is true.
In other words, she was an ill woman?
she was the finest actress of her time, undermined by peers and journalists alike, She was like none other and she loved the camera in a way nobody else did....
Joan Crawford will remain the best actress ever and I love her !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best actress? - behave lol
Great stuff! This is a show that deserves to come back!!
Crawford's original name was Lucille LeSeur. Her upbringing was horrific-abandonment and orphanages. She literally clawed her way up. Cruelty is never excused; she was very damaged. She deserves compassion, too.
She wasn't in orphanages,
This was a good series, too. I miss this and the old True Hollywood Stories.
In my opinion, I believe Christina. As for the people who claimed Joan was not abusive, it's easier to deny anything than to involve yourself in anything. And besides who would say anything bad about the great Joan Crawford ? People don't make things up like that. There was obviously something going on in that home that caused Christina a great deal of pain. & I feel for her.
"As for the people who claimed Joan was not abusive..."
You mean, like her two other daughters?
the daughters as well as many of Joan's friends.
Christina did not start telling this story until Joan disinherited her. I believe there was probably abuse but I think mostly she takes great pleasure in smearing this woman because she is vindictive.
Michelle Robinson Vindictive my behind, Joan Crawfords own personal secretary confirmed the abuse happened and more people came out in support of the daughter confirming they saw multiple instances of abuse. Her two other children were also the ones left in the will so or course they are going to take her side. Jeez some of you people should actually do research before you spout your nonsense.
Her secretary did NOT "confirm" that anything happened! What a pile of bull!!! Her secretary was Betty Barker, and she has always said the exact OPPOSITE. In fact Christina couldn't stand her because she always called out for her lies.
Damn, even Christina's defenders have to make shit up.
Stunningly beautiful in her 30's...............those eyes!!
So touching so beautiful , A beautiful soul inside and out ,soo loved .I had the biggest crush on him that smile ❤️❤️⭐️⭐️🇬🇧💯
R.i.p. Joan...you are and always be a Hollywood icon...talented and beautiful
I just typed in Mysteries and Scandals out of curiosity and wow! I hit pay dirt!
She was obsessed with cleanliness.
I watched American Horror Story with Joan Crawford and Bette Davis: I believe that Joan Crawford was the “Mommy Dearest” character!
Talk about casting the first stone! You never had the total fear, especially from your parent, and Especially your mother, who should protect you! God bless Christina. She should have had the perfect life. She is the bravest among the brave souls who, in spite of the hatred shown from exposing a vile monster, is a survivor.
The best thing about the 90's, is this show!! I wish they had the Albert Dekker one though.
lol I miss E, when they exposed the "truth" I use quotes because we really don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but now it seems the E channel is just obsessed with glorifying celebrities as almost god-like which is kind of demented. I like Pre-Kardashian era, I miss True Hollywood Story.
THS is getting a reboot this year!!!
Absolutely right
I hope so
This show should come back.
Although I feel sorry for Christina & Christopher, I can't help but feel bad for Joan as well. I believe that Joan Crawford was a good person and loved and cared for her children to the best of her abilities. But being an alcoholic with bipolar and having a rough childhood, she had a lot of personal demons and she sadly took it out on her children, and they had to suffer because of it which is extremely unfortunate. It's still no excuse though the way she acted towards her children, but I feel like she was just a very tortured soul.
That's sweet you keep open mind and not judge a person
"TINA!!!!!! Bring me the axe...."
"BOX OFFICE POISON???!!!"
How clever.... 💤
In 1942 Joan did a film called "They all kissed the Bride" and donated her ENTIRE salary of $125,000 00 to the American Red Cross ....(WWII) So, come on ! Give her a break!
Amazing how delusional people can be when they are fans of an actress. Whether you people want to admit it or not Joan Crawfords own personal secretary confirmed her stories of abuse and more people came out in support of the daughters claims then the other way around saying they witnessed the abuse. But go ahead believe the two daughters who inherited all that wasn't given to charity and had a bone to pick with her since she sued over the will and an ex husband who had a reputation to uphold. As for the friends denying her claims easy to do that when you don't want people to think you ignored children being abused. All who denied it had a reason to say it didn't happen. But go ahead support a child abuser because you don't want your image of her tainted.
That beardy man in the vid, is a Joan Crawford fan and even he said he is glad she isn't his mother. Also Eve Arden (one of Joan's friends and colleagues) noted Joan was seriously flawed. I read Cheryl Crane's memoirs and she said she hung with her nanny and the other nannies and overheard stories like how Joan would strap down Christopher; later she went to the same Catholic boarding school as Christina and noted Christina to be defeated and witnessed that Christina had to not participate in Senior class activities because of her Mother's say so.
Exactly. It's heartbreaking to see people dismissing Christina's claims she was abused. And using the fact she's a 'difficult person' to discredit her claims- so what if she is? Doesn't mean the abuse didn't happen. And I think anyone would grow up to be 'difficult' after that much abuse.
So you’re the saying that the daughters who inherited money can lie, but the one who didn’t *wouldn’t* lie? Why, then, did she wait till her mother was dead and buried to bring up all this supposed abuse? I have heard interviews when Joan was alive where adult Christina has nothing but good things to say about her mother and how she has helped and supported her. Maybe Joan got frustrated with Christina, but there are two sides to every story and we’ve only heard one ‘cause Christina ensured that.
that's a very well-balanced and sound analysis...I fully concur!
Actually she adopted 5. And it is not uncommon for an abusive parent to single out 1 or 2 children to victimize.
Marvin Krumholt, that's true. One child was reclaimed by his natural mother (lucky for him). And yes, I lived through a similar experience, and it's not uncommon for some children (often the younger ones) to have a different perspective. People who don't believe Christina or who think she shouldn't talk about it don't want to admit that their favorite movie star was not who they thought she was. Most abusers know how to put up a facade to hide how abusive they are.
I strongly suggest people look up Myrna Loy's own recollections of Christina. Loy worked with her on stage and said she was EXTREMELY difficult to deal with. Translate that into an extremely difficult 12 year old child. I believe Joan tried her best but with the emotional scarring of her own childhood- not to mention the stress of maintaining her career in a cutthroat industry- she was ill-equipped mentally to deal with a stubborn, willful child (which is what many recall Christina to be).
PS- at Joan's memorial service, when Christina walked in, Myrna Loy got up and walked out.
oh please............. joan was difficult and EVERYONE says so.... Christina may have had issues to and it is understandable because look who mommy was.... and the stint taking Christina's place on the soap when the girl was ill? I remember my mom and aunt talking about that saying how silly she looked trying to play such a young girl and why did they let her do it. loy was no saint herself. in fact she had all sorts of affairs, with men and women and of course being so close to joan........ would be why she did not like Christina
I heard the same thing. Loy felt like slapping Christina herself because she was so difficult. Van Johnson felt the same way too.
I believe Christina & her brother. They lived it. The other two daughters were way too young to see them get abused. Joan had mellowed by the time they grew. Christina's not lying. Joan was spoiled & used to having her way. & How she wanted it , hence "Mommie Dearest"
mnmcv1, maybe it didn't occur to Loy that her pal Joan wasn't the best mother on the planet either. No matter how a child behaves, they have no power in a situation and can't defend themselves. So by that logic that you are spouting, any child who misbehaves or acts out should be beaten, sent away or subjected to emotional abuse? Yes, Joan was scarred by her own childhood, but did she forget how the years of mistreatment made her feel? She seemed to have felt justified to take out all the injustice done to her onto Christina and Christopher (who did back up Christina, by the way). Some people's priorities are out of whack, to say the least. Check out Bob Thomas' biography of Joan, published before "Mommie Dearest" which confirms that Joan was abusive with eyewitness testimony.
mnmcv1 I don't understand what that has to do with her not being the best mom
No matter what she did/didn't do, the drinking, whatever, you have to admire her talent, that special look she had.
I have to laugh at the comments made at 16:30. "The next 10 years after Mildred Pierce, Crawford managed to make a dozen or so pretty forgettable films..." Who is he kidding???? Forgettable films? Humoresque....Sudden Fear, Queen Bee, Flamingo Road, Harriet Craig, The Damn Don't Cry? She would receive two more academy award nominations?
Good grief she was making in her prime at this time with Warner Brothers. I know they have to make this crap up to create this "scandalous" pitch for their show, but here is someone, regardless of what you think about her, lead one helluva life. You really don't need to dramatize and try to portray her as someone who got lucky with one script and won an Oscar and then never made another decent movie in the next 10 years. lol It's just nonsense.
The reason the twins refuted what C&C said is because they knew nothing of it. They did not live with Joan at the same time, look it up.
Yes she adopted them many years after c and c
very well said! I'm glad you survived your child hood intact!
*childhood
Joan DIDN'T insist her children call her that. That's just how Joan signed her letters to them. Even Christina has said that before.
I had the dubious pleasure of meeting CC when she had her b and b in Idaho. She struck me as a vapid narcissist with little interest in any subject beyond herself..
so basically your saying she was lying?
I have no evidence as to the veracity of her claims and can only speculate. Was Joan a bad mother? Probably. Was Christina a bad daughter? Equally likely. Peace
Like mother like daughter.
@@carson11100*So, basically, you're saying...
I love the earth, its a giant comedy, a rotating sitcom, the only place people can put other human beings on top of a pedestal as if they were gods, and then become shocked and apalled at the fact that these people are actually human, human beings who aren't perfect and have faults. Do you know how many "bad" mothers have been on the earth? There are mothers who killed their children, or sold their children for $20 bucks. If you ask me Christina Crawford had it great!
Garbo did it right. She knew she wasn't photographing well anymore. She knew once a woman got to a certain age her career in movies was over. She exited graciously and lived the rest of her life the way she wanted to.
thanx for this!
In what world is 'Joan Crawford' a better name than 'Lucille LeSueur'?! Alliteration is where it's at lol
You are absolutely right!!!
crawford and davis were real drama queens
Yes I have read articles and seen documentaries. No, I don't take Christina's word as the only truth. There are people who knew Joan who stated that she was abusive to Christina & they had a very difficult relationship. I believe Joan was a very damaged person,& I also believe that Christina is. At this point, either people believe Christina or Joan. She can't truly harm Joan anymore, only her legacy. No one (including "witnesses" to incidents) will never know the full truth. That's my opinion.
funny how they only interviewed the negative people, and not the people that actually knew the REAL joan.
The volume man!
Joan Crawford has risaaaan from the dead!
i think joan was what you call an "a" type personality, maybe even a "aaa", it would seem everything she did was geared toward her career or image, not the sign of a happy or content person, usually the sign of someone desperately seeking attention and that's usually a case of not getting any as a child. add in her rough years in kansas city and you can imagine how she would spend her life running from her past. not as uncommon as you would think.
"Why can't life just be a continuous sequence of opulent luxury and filthy sex!" *shoves everything off of the table*
Were you there? Only Christina Crawford and Christopher Crawford know what really happened. If someone, ANYONE....gets vulnerable enough to talk about abuse, I believe what they say. Joan Crawford was an amazing screen actor, and I love her performances (even the bad ones!) But that doesn't mean she wasn't a troubled, complex, and yes- abusive woman!
And yet Joan's two twins say that Joan was a fabulous mother...with a completely different take on Mommie Dearest.
This episode would sound more credible if they mentioned Crawford's two younger daughters especially since they disagree with the older daughter's viewpoint of their mother.
IngloriousBitches,
Totally true... and she also was involved with Doug BEFORE "Our Modern Maidens"; they didn't meet on-set.
Joan Crawford beautiful woman great actress 💕
I used to love watching this series - E was a great network back then. I often wonder what's happened to AJ Benza.
*I often wonder what happened to A.J. Benza.
Joan Crawford was actually born on March 23, 1904.
1906.
@@Garsons-oq4lhno one actually knows. She was probably born in 1903 tbh
Dry cleaning comes back on wire hangers. It was probably one of Christina's "chores" to put the dry cleaning into her closet and being a kid she didn't bother transferring the clothes from the dry cleaner's hangers to the nice ones. Just a guess...
Joan looked after Tone when he was ill
I grew up thinking of Joan as the Mommy Dearest character. I now believe the daughter was exaggerating and jealous of her mother’s success. Too many others have vouched for Joan’s decent character. It’s a shame the smear came after her death which didn’t allow her to defend herself and forever ruined her reputation.
its no different when children get raped by their father and no one believes them.People let The Movie star shine so bright it blinds them from what could be truth. youve never held a conversation with her never slept at her house your just a fan.movies make you love people you never knew or will never know.Joans oscar worthy talent dosnt make it unbelievable.
You r right in that...
AJ you blew it
Christina really hated Joan Crawford ... and holds a dark grudge.....you can tell.
Never understood the hoopla about her.
Mediocre talent, homely as hell...what's to get excited about?
This is one of those unfortunately situation. Where were never gonna know the Truth, Because Joan died in '77 and Christina has never changed her story. But one thing is for dam sho... For whatever reason Christina has a nasty attitude towards Joan. Now maybe that's because of year's of abuse or it's just jealousy. But like I said we're never gonna know for sure. "Joan rest well" This was filmed over 20 yrs ago...I hope Christina has made her peace with this for her own happiness and sanity!
thanks for this; really interesting. wish it was better quality though....
joan crawford was absolutely beautiful when she was younger...and for everybody slingling mud...there's not a hollywood star that hasn't screwed something or someone on there way to the top...love me some Joan Crawford....should she have adopted children probably not..but when you had someone who didn't like her i.e. bette davis who said that book was B.S....you know something aint right with the book,,,
I'm not sure Bette Davis would know if it were true or not, she and Joan weren't even friendly so they didn't spend any time together
countess77 there's slot of stars who DID NOT sleep their way to the top. The fuck
Notice how Joan's other two children, Cathy and Cindy, were not mentioned, nor were any of their many defenses and praising of Joan as a mother.
For the hundredth time, that means NOTHING. Read up on how narcissistic parents treat their children.
@@OasisJones I don’t need to read up on it. my mother was a narcissist and an alcoholic. And she didn’t brainwash me into thinking that she wasn’t physically abusive. I am a sentient being who can see and hear. That’s how I know she wasn’t.
@@larrydirtybird so those girls have the exact same brain wiring that you do? I never knew! Watch interviews of these two talking about Joan, they look like they’re about to burst into a puddle. Everyone calls Christina a liar, why can’t these two be lying about how loving Joan was? Plenty of children protect their idealized image of a parent who treated them like shit.
Christina Crawford once had a stroke which she proceeded to blame on her dead mother. That tells me all I need to know about christina Crawford
Did you even fucking hear what led to that happening? It says a lot about her fans that they can’t accept anything less than perfection from their idol.
@@OasisJones Or maybe she had a stroke because she was out of shape. It happens to people all the time. There is no proof that her mother caused her stroke at all. Trying to blame other people for giving you strokes is comfort people for those who want to blame others for their problems. I know Joan Crawford was not a perfect person but for Christina to blame her strokes on her is unscientific bullshit.
Bette Davis did not "hate" Joan Crawford; Davis simply couldn't tolerate Joan's pretensions, posturing, and drinking on-set.
"She was desperately sifting through scripts, husband had left her in 1946" In 1946 she had already made Mildred Pierce (1945), won the Academy Award (1946). She was back on top before hubby #3 left. She divorced him late 1945. She was GIVEN scripts and approval for everything in 1946. She was whipping Bette Davis' tail at Warners in 1946. Her low point was post MGM, 1943-1945. Phillip Terry (Hubby #3) was still around. She was not alone at her lowest point. Poor reporting....
Bette was still the queen at WB when Joan came, it’s just that Bette’s 50s career wasn’t as vibrant as Joan’s was because Joan indulged in a lot of campy melodramas and Bette’s more serious style (however theatrical) wasn’t finding the right scripts to show it.
you can believe both--she may have raised both 'sets' of families differently--
I've never quite understood why some thought Joan was beautiful. She wasn't ugly but she was just a bit odd looking. I think a lot of men fell in love with her personality, she knew how to manipulate men very well and get exactly what she wanted.
Yeah I agree, she wasn’t exactly a beauty. She was nice looking sure, but she wasn’t drop dead gorgeous or anything. Her supposed attitude too makes it harder to see her as a beautiful person.
princessUSA2 very true, she was more than just an unpleasant person.
Crawford was never without a nearby sense of grievance, real or imagined, and the older she got the more it told on the outside, and the less the layering on of glamor managed to hide it.
Dave dvlaries Yes, from what I've read about her, she definitely had an ego that just got worse as she aged. Many people with low self esteem end up having that super ego to make up for their own lack of self worth. Seems her mom treated her very badly growing up and told her she was ugly and would never amount to anything. Guess she was trying to prove her wrong
+Kristen T I always thought Joan Crawford looked mean even long before Mommie Dearest. As a kid I would have been scared to death of her.
well said!
I love Myrna Loy. She was fantastic with William Powell in the Thin Man films and I would trust her more than Christina.
This piece was so unbalanced. Why didn't they at least interview the other children that she raised? I don't think all of the stuff christina put in that book was true. She didn't decide to write it until after Joan Crawford decided not to leave her anything in her will.
Christopher and Cynthia are deceased, although maybe they were alive when this segment was filmed, but perhaps they didn't want to be interviewed? Christopher was a private person, but he did back up Christina.
Joan was a driven women
thanks for this, please post some more... lana turner?
ah the 90s..
I agree :)
Life in the orphanage would have been better?
Joan was a wise woman. Most likely she told Christina to write that book. It's 2020 and people still know who Joan crawford is if only for that book. She knew how to make even the worst press work to her advantage.
this is exactly the motive why the book was written.."Follow The Money"
Im fed up of hearing about christina.
Christina to me is bang out of order. Who the hell tries to tarnish a dead persons name when they can not even defend themselves.
But i think joan would be happy now. Chriatona has made joan more popular than ever!!
That was point. And most likely Joan's idea.
everybody beat their kids in those days. they would beat you until the blood ran down your legs with a switch. everybody did it. I love joan and I don't care what she did to those ungrateful, spoiled brats.
Bette davis daughter hated her too for having no mother daughter connection and neglect to show any regret or care about it.Bette and Joan where two women playing the hollywood game like men.That dosnt leave time for much Motherhood.
Many actors in those years were battling with the bottle, the medication and etc...
I agree with your comment!
My dad was so pissed off at Christina for what she wrote about Joan.
He needed to believe in her image he feel in love with.
Joan must not have been close to her mom... they don’t mention her much.
ouch, bad audio but video is great :)
What's the point of putting up a video that's unwatchable. The audio is too low, muffled, and there's a horrible static noise!! Just take it down!
Well said!7
Whether or not Joan was an abused girl herself (and thus an abusive parent) is beside the point that no one ever seems to "get": Any woman who would INSIST that her children address her as "Mommie Dearest" (a sickening, saccharine moniker by any standards) has more than a score of screws loose.
This video is hype and trash. Sorry see this posted. She's not even here to defend herself. How is this fair?
but that's the whole point of this series and none of this is new, it was all said while she was still alive. Of course she denied it but who wouldn't?
Fair? That's the price you pay for fame. Many celebrities have tell all books written about them all the time rather they have a say in it or not. Who says life is fair
She was a fabulous actress - and that's all that matters!!!
Her acting style has aged far better than rival Bette Davis's!!!
Not really at all. Both are “dated”, but Bette’s had a real human fire under the theatrics that make it feel more alive and timeless.
I agree with u - however, it's been recently discovered that Joan Crawford was, VERY early on, secretly married to a man named James ---- ( can't think of his last name). She divorced him after 1-2 years. This shifts the future husbands back one notch... So, that's : 1) James --- 2) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 3) Franchot Tone 4) Phillip Terry &, 5) the man she called the "love of my life" ( next to Clark Gable ) Alfred Nu Steele, Pepsi Prez.
THE MINUTES SECTION SHOULD BE LISTED ON WHERE TO PROCEED WITH THE PROGRAM INSTEAD OF ALL OF THAT WAITING.
It's the opposite actually...Joan's personally secretary Betty Baker went against it saying it wasn't true. I think you're thinking of Betty Hutton their neighbor.
When I read Christina's book (I was19) it was as she was talking about my mom, minus Holywood & Pepsi, mines is not an alcoholic, but my father is,
Now I know about the dynamics of alcoholism,I go to Alanon
sometimes
But everyone I ever tried to disclose as a child dissmis me as crazy.
I even got her mother to hate me, if I tried to reaaon about her douhter.
I told her once I would never forgive her.
The only human being at my most voulnerable moment (childhood).& she used me as a PUNCHING BAG
True.
I like your comments!
If Joan Crawford was as twisted as all that, how did she become the huge star she became? It amazes me that a woman as small as she was, from such a humble background, could be the monster that her daughter says she was. I am a bit skeptical about some of these claims, but I do believe she was controlling, and extremely tenacious.
I'm choosing not to believe this until I have empirical evidence. Why haven't we ever heard from Christopher? I've heard her other children, not mentioned here, say that she wasn't like that. Christina is the only one complaining. That former secretary might have been bitter about something as well. Christina's version made some money.