TCM Spotlight: Joan Crawford

Turner Classic Movie spotlight is on actress Joan Crawford, who’s remarkable career took off after winning a Best Actress Oscar® for Mildred Pierce (1945) and her successful run lasted through the 1950s. In the month of November, TCM will pay homage to the actress by releasing Joan Crawford in the 1950s, a collection of four films on DVD–three of which have never been released in media format.

Joan Crawford in the 1950s will contain the following films: Harriet Craig (1950), a film about an obsessive housewife who infuriates her friends and ruins her marriage due to her desire of maintaining her perfect home; Queen Bee (1955), where the actress stars as a manipulative Southern socialite attempting to control those who surround her, leading towards a fatal conclusion; Autumn Leaves (1956), a dark romantic drama featuring Crawford as an old maid who falls in love with a young man with severe mental troubles; and The Story of Esther Costello (1957), the story of a wealthy divorcee who cares for a blind and deaf girl while protecting her from con artists who wish to exploit her.

Harriet Craig (1950) – Joan Crawford plays a materialistic housewife who ruins her marriage and alienates her friends through her obsession with maintaining the perfect home. Wendell Corey costars under the direction of Vincent Sherman.

Queen Bee (1955) – Crawford is a manipulative Southern socialite who tries to control the lives of those around her, resulting in dire consequences. Barry Sullivan costars. Charles Lang‘s cinematography and Jean Louis‘ costume designed earned Oscar® nominations.

Autumn Leaves (1956) – This dark romantic drama stars Joan Crawford as a lonely spinster who falls in love with a younger man with severe mental problems. Cliff Robertson, Vera Miles and Lorne Green costar. Robert Aldrich earned the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for his directing. The title song is performed by Nat King Cole.

The Story of Esther Costello (1957) – Crawford plays a wealthy divorcee who devotes herself to helping a deaf and blind girl while fending off charlatans who want to exploit the teenager. Rossano Brazzi and BAFTA winner and Golden Globe® nominee Heather Sears costar in this drama directed by David Miller.

The DVD collection will be available exclusively through the TCM shop and is a fascinating glimpse at the actress’ career during the time of her career post-Warner Bros. era. Her success was unique at the time due to her age, and despite the odds and criticism (and the previous brand “box office poison”) Crawford became a renowned actress starring in captivating and impacting roles while working for Columbia Pictures.

Fans of the Hollywood classics or Crawford’s work will absolutely enjoy the Joan Crawford film collection.

Source Turner Classic Movies

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AIDY

Writer at AIDY Reviews...

Sandy +AIDY Hoffman is the television, movie and game review writer of the AIDY Reviews website. Avid supporter of indie film and indie artist. PR Intern at MANIKIN Talent Agency. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment and Transmedia storytelling from Full Sail University.