While watching 1939’s The Women starring Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer a few thoughts popped into my mind.
- How come no one gives Joan Crawford props for being THE baddest bitch
- Why did people always over act in old movies?
- Why was there a remake? With Eva Mendes in the Joan Crawford role?
First, I have nothing against Eva Mendes but she is no ball buster. Joan Crawford looked like someone’s maiden aunt and she still managed to steal Norma Shearer’s husband!
Next we have the horrid ahcting of 1939. Ever syllable over enunciated, ever lahgh ever so tinkly, every action so over blown.
Blech!
And finally, last but certainly not least, Joan Crawford as Crystal Allen was a trip! Not only did she unapologetically steal the husband of Norma Shearer’s Mary Haines, before Crystal marries Steven Haines, she boldly used Mr. Haines as her reference while she was shopping when they were still sneaking around (Mary was in the dressing room across the hall no less!). Crystal tells Mary know that her husband was getting ‘taken care of’ (the same day!) and then began to cheat on him with a younger man.
Dang!
She was the ice queen and the woman. Yes, we all have either seen or read Mommie Dearest – “No! More! Wire! Hangers!” – but that aside, Joan handled her business. Just not in a manner I would use. But she still got it done!
There is one scene in which a mammy type gives a chick a toothbrush and that had the hair on my neck stand up otherwise what a great film!
Getting my shoulder pads out,
-r
Addendum: I realized that I called the Mary character Raines and not Haines. My bad.
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