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The Films of Joan Crawford

 

 

Joan made over 83 films from 1925 to 1970, which are listed below chronologically, along with US premiere date, studio, role played, general notes, and DVD/VHS availability. (Film release dates are from the AFI or IMDb; DVD/VHS info from Amazon.com.)

Click on a title to go to this site's page for that film, which will have more complete information, including reviews, full cast listing, and photos of movie posters, lobby cards, sheet music and DVD/VHS covers, etc. (From the individual film page you can also link to this site's encyclopedia entry and page for photos from each film.)

 

A Quick Guide to My Reviews/Reader Reviews follows the main chart.

 

A general Film Trivia section follows the Quick Guide, with sections on Most Frequent Co-stars, Most Frequent Directors, and The Shopgirl Myth.

 

See also the separate page for Joan's MGM and Warners box-office receipts, as well as for info on Joan's box-office rankings for various years from 1928 through 1952.

 

 


 

A star01_yellow.gif next to a title indicates that the film has been selected by the US Library of Congress to be preserved as part of the National Film Registry. 

(As of 2023: Grand Hotel, The Women, Mildred Pierce, Johnny Guitar, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?)

A apple02_1.gif next to a title indicates a film in the Joan canon that I think is particularly worth seeing---either especially important in her career or one that I just like a lot.

 

US general release

(premiere date may be earlier; see IMDb)

Title

Released by

Joan's character

Notes

DVD/VHS
availability

2/23/25

Lady of the Night (silent)

MGM

[uncredited double for Norma Shearer]

See this site's 1925 Photos page for 2 shots of Joan with Norma.

DVD

4/27/25

Proud Flesh (silent)

MGM

[uncredited extra in party scene]

Directed by King Vidor.

NA

8/23/25

A Slave of Fashion (silent)

MGM

[uncredited mannequin]

Stars Norma Shearer, Lew Cody, William Haines.

NA

8/26/25

The Merry Widow (silent)

MGM

[uncredited ballroom dancer]

Directed by Erich von Stroheim; starring Mae Murray and John Gilbert.

DVD

9/6/25

Pretty Ladies (silent)

MGM

Bobby, showgirl

Billed for the first and only time by her real name, "Lucille LeSueur."

NA

9/22/25

The Circle (silent)

MGM

Young Lady Catherine

Joan appears in the first few minutes in a "prequel" to the subsequent main story.

DVD

10/4/25

The Midshipman (silent)

MGM

[extra]

A Ramon Novarro vehicle.

NA

11/9/25

Old Clothes (silent)

MGM

Mary Riley, poor girl who befriends kid

A Jackie Coogan vehicle.

NA

11/22/25

The Only Thing (silent)

MGM

[extra, appearing in several crowd scenes]

Story by Elinor Glyn.

NA

12/27/25

Sally, Irene, and Mary (silent)

MGM

Irene, showgirl

Constance Bennett, Sally O'Neil co-star. (Joan billed 2nd after Bennett.)

NA (but the George Eastman Museum premiered the restored film in 2019 and has a 2-minute trailer on its site; and YouTube sometimes offers the entire film).

3/21/26

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (silent)

First National

Betty, daughter of shoe mogul

A Harry Langdon vehicle.

VHS, DVD (as part of 3-film Harry Langdon set)

5/17/26

The Boob (silent)

MGM

Jane, prohibition agent

A Gertrude Olmstead / George K. Arthur vehicle, directed by pre-Wings William Wellman.

DVD

5/24/26

Paris (silent)

MGM

The Girl, cabaret girl

Charles Ray, Douglas Gilmore co-star.

NA

9/30/26

Bardelys the Magnificent (silent)

MGM

[uncredited Court Gossip]

Starring John Gilbert, directed by King Vidor.

NA

1/15/27

Winners of the Wilderness (silent)

MGM

Rene Contrecoeur, general's daughter

A Tim McCoy vehicle; set in 18th century.

NA

2/5/27

The Taxi Dancer (silent)

MGM

Joselyn Poe, taxi dancer

Joan's first top billing.

NA

5/10/27

The Understanding Heart (silent)

MGM

Monica Dale, forest ranger

Another top billing for Joan; Francis X. Bushman, Jr., co-stars.

NA

6/4/27

apple02_1.gif The Unknown (silent)

MGM

Nanon, carney girl

Lon Chaney stars, Tod Browning directs. Joan said Chaney's concentration made her take acting seriously for first time.

DVD (2003, part of TCM Lon Chaney set)
DVD/Blu-ray (2023, part of Criterion "Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers" set)

7/9/27

Twelve Miles Out (silent)

MGM

Jane, kidnapped by rum-runner

John Gilbert stars.

NA

10/22/27

Spring Fever (silent)

MGM

Allie Monte, country-club girl

A William Haines vehicle.

DVD

1/7/28

West Point (silent)

MGM

Betty Channing, hotel-owner's daughter

A William Haines vehicle.

DVD

1/21/28

The Law of the Range (silent)

MGM

Betty Dallas, Texas Ranger's girlfriend

A Tim McCoy vehicle.

NA

2/11/28

Rose-Marie (silent)

MGM

Rose-Marie, wild mountain girl

Joan has top billing; originated onstage as a comic operetta.

NA

4/7/28

Across to Singapore (silent)

MGM

Priscilla Crowninshield, neighbor and love interest of seafaring brothers

Ramon Novarro stars.

DVD

8/11/28

Four Walls (silent)

MGM

Frieda, gangster's moll

Joan's second and last appearance with John Gilbert.

NA

9/1/28

apple02_1.gif Our Dancing Daughters (silent)

MGM

Diana Medford, socialite party girl

This one made Joan a star and had huge box-office.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

12/1/28

Dream of Love (silent)

MGM

Adrienne, gypsy girl

Co-stars Nils Asther, their 2nd of 3 films together.

NA

3/16/29

The Duke Steps Out (silent)

MGM

Susie the co-ed

Joan's third appearance with William Haines; she's billed second.

NA

9/8/29

Our Modern Maidens (silent)

MGM

Billie Brown, socialite party girl

Joan's last silent; her only film appearance with husband Doug Fairbanks, Jr. One of first films, if not the first, to feature deco style.

VHS, DVD

11/23/29

Hollywood Revue of 1929

MGM

appears as herself

MGM's talking picture debut, showcasing most of its stable of stars; Joan sings and dances.

DVD

11/23/29

Untamed

MGM

Bingo, jungle girl and oil heiress

Joan's talkie acting debut; her first of 6 films with Robert Montgomery.

DVD

3/20/30

Montana Moon

MGM

Joan Prescott, rich rancher's daughter

TCM says this might be the first "singing cowboy" film.

DVD

7/19/30

Our Blushing Brides

MGM

Jerry, shopgirl

Joan's second film with Robert Montgomery.

DVD

12/30/30

apple02_1.gif Paid

MGM

Mary Turner, ex-con

Joan's first major dramatic role.

DVD

Not Released

Great Day!

MGM

Unknown

8 weeks of filming began in Sept. 1930. After seeing rushes, Joan begged studio head LB Mayer to scrap film, which he did.

NA

3/20/31

apple02_1.gif Dance, Fools, Dance

MGM

Bonnie Jordan, ex-socialite cub reporter

Joan's first of 8 films with Clark Gable.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

5/30/31

Laughing Sinners

MGM

Ivy Stevens, cafe entertainer

Second film with Gable, who replaced Johnny Mack Brown after MGM execs noted the Crawford/Gable chemistry in their first film.

VHS, DVD

8/29/31

This Modern Age

MGM

Valentine Winters, socialite daughter

Noted stage actress Pauline Frederick co-stars as Joan's mother.

DVD

11/21/31

apple02_1.gif Possessed

MGM

Marian/Mrs. Moreland, kept woman

Third film with Gable.

VHS, DVD

5/14/32

apple02_1.gif Letty Lynton

MGM

Letty Lynton, stalked socialite

Third film with Robert Montgomery, third and last with Nils Asther. A plagiarism lawsuit won against MGM prevents this from being shown or sold today.

NA, except bootleg

9/11/32

star01_yellow.gifapple02_1.gif Grand Hotel

MGM

Flaemmchen, a little stenographer

All-star cast (Garbo, Barrymores, Beery), Oscar winner for Best Picture. This one firmly established Joan as a superstar.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

10/12/32

apple02_1.gif Rain

United Artists

Sadie Thompson, prostitute

Joan reprises the role made famous by Jeanne Eagels on Broadway in 1922. Critical and public response to Joan was poor at time, though her performance much more lauded today.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

4/14/33

Today We Live

MGM

Diana Boyce-Smith, rich Englishwoman pursued by 2 men during WWI

Directed by Howard Hawks; story by William Faulkner; Joan co-stars with Gary Cooper for only time; her first of 7 appearances with husband Franchot Tone, whom she met on set. And her first of 4 films with Robert Young.

VHS, DVD

11/24/33

apple02_1.gif Dancing Lady

MGM

Janie Barlow, aspiring showgirl

Joan's fourth appearance with Gable, second with Tone; Fred Astaire's film debut; Three Stooges on hand. First of 2 films with director Robert Z. Leonard.

VHS, DVD

5/9/34

apple02_1.gif Sadie McKee

MGM

Sadie McKee, servant-turned-club entertainer-turned rich wife

Third film with Tone.

VHS, DVD

8/31/34

Chained

MGM

Diane Lovering, kept woman

Fifth film with Gable.

VHS, DVD

12/23/34

Forsaking All Others

MGM

Mary, socialite pursued by 2 men

Sixth film with Gable, fourth with Montgomery. From 1933 play starring Tallulah Bankhead.

VHS, DVD

6/14/35

No More Ladies

MGM

Marcia, socialite with philandering husband

Fifth film with Montgomery, fourth with Tone. First film with director George Cukor.

DVD

10/4/35

I Live My Life

MGM

Kay, socialite in love with archaeologist

Co-stars Brian Aherne.

VHS, DVD

8/28/36

The Gorgeous Hussy

MGM

Peggy O'Neal, innkeeper's daughter who hobnobs with President Andrew Jackson

Unsuccessful period piece set in 1830s based loosely on true story; fifth film with Tone; first film with Robert Taylor, Melvyn Douglas, James Stewart.

VHS, DVD

11/20/36

Love on the Run

MGM

Sally Parker, socialite pursued by 2 men

Seventh film with Gable, sixth with Tone.

VHS, DVD

2/19/37

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

MGM

Fay Cheyney, jewel thief

First a 1925 play, then a 1929 Norma Shearer film. Joan co-stars with William Powell for only time.

VHS, DVD

10/8/37

The Bride Wore Red

MGM

Anni, cabaret singer and society wannabe

Seventh and last film with Franchot Tone. Second film with Robert Young.

VHS, DVD

1/21/38

Mannequin

MGM

Jessica Cassidy, working girl pursued by 2 men

Joan co-stars with Spencer Tracy for only time.

VHS, DVD

11/18/38

The Shining Hour

MGM

Olivia Riley, club performer-turned-rich wife

Originated on Broadway. Joan's third film with Robert Young and second with Melvyn Douglas. Co-stars Margaret Sullavan.

VHS, DVD

3/10/39

The Ice Follies of 1939

MGM

Mary McKay, skating wife-turned-movie star

Extreme fluff made to promote MGM's new find, The International Ice Follies. Joan's second and last film with James Stewart.

DVD

9/1/39

star01_yellow.gifapple02_1.gif The Women

MGM

Crystal Allen, shopgirl-on-the-make

Joan's first villainous role, her second film with director Cukor. Based on the long-running play by Clare Boothe that opened in 1936. Co-starred Joan's longtime MGM rival Norma Shearer.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

3/1/40

apple02_1.gif Strange Cargo

MGM

Julie, on-the-lam nightclub entertainer

Joan's eighth and last film with Clark Gable. (She was still top-billed, despite his having just appeared in Gone With the Wind.)

VHS, DVD

6/7/40

apple02_1.gif Susan and God

MGM

Susan, flighty socialite who's found God and neglects family

Originated on Broadway; Joan's only appearance with Fredric March and 3rd film directed by Cukor. Role turned down by Norma Shearer, who didn't want to play a mother. Rita Hayworth has small role.

VHS, DVD

5/15/41

apple02_1.gif A Woman's Face

MGM

Anna Holm, facially disfigured criminal

Based on 1938 Swedish film starring Ingrid Bergman. Last of 4 films with director Cukor. Third film with Melvyn Douglas. Co-stars Conrad Veidt.

VHS; DVD (part of 2008 Joan Crawford Collection 2 set; 2017 Warner Archive single)

8/29/41

When Ladies Meet

MGM

Mary Howard, novelist pursued by 2 men

With Robert Taylor for second time; co-stars Greer Garson. Last of 2 films with director Robert Z. Leonard.

VHS, DVD

6/11/42

They All Kissed the Bride

Columbia

Margaret J. Drew, businesswoman

With Melvyn Douglas for fourth and last time.

VHS (DVD still only Region 2 from Spain)

12/25/42

Reunion in France

MGM

Michele de la Becque, rich Frenchwoman during WWII

Joan and John Wayne co-star for only time.

VHS; DVD

8/5/43

Above Suspicion

MGM

Frances Myles, newlywed anti-Nazi spy

Joan's last contract picture for MGM. Co-stars Fred MacMurray and Conrad Veidt.

VHS, DVD

12/31/44

Hollywood Canteen

Warners

Appears as herself

First film for new studio Warners; cameo appearance in all-star (including Bette Davis) "support-the-troops" effort.

VHS; DVD (as part of 3-disc "Homefront Collection")

10/20/45

star01_yellow.gifapple02_1.gif Mildred Pierce

Warners

Mildred Pierce: mother, lover, businesswoman

First of two films with director Michael Curtiz. Major comeback for Joan after leaving MGM. Oscar winner for Best Actress (Joan's only Oscar), nominated for Best Picture.

Library of Congress essay.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

1/25/47

apple02_1.gif Humoresque

Warners

Helen Wright, dilettante

Joan at height of SEXY. Co-stars John Garfield.

VHS, DVD

7/26/47

apple02_1.gif Possessed

Warners

Louise Howell, obsessive spurned lover

2nd Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Co-stars Van Heflin.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

12/25/47

Daisy Kenyon

20th Century-Fox

Daisy Kenyon, graphic artist pursued by 2 men

Directed by Otto Preminger. Co-stars Dana Andrews and Henry Fonda.

DVD, Blu-ray

4/30/49

apple02_1.gif Flamingo Road

Warners

Lane Bellamy, carney girl, er, woman

Second and last Joan film directed by Mildred Pierce's Michael Curtiz. Co-stars Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, and David Brian (Brian's first credited film).

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

8/1/49

It's a Great Feeling

Warners

Appears as herself

Cameo in this Dennis Morgan/Jack Carson/Doris Day vehicle.

VHS, DVD

5/13/50

apple02_1.gif The Damned Don't Cry

Warners

Ethel Whitehead/Lorna Hansen Forbes, small-town wife turned gangster's moll

Joan's first of 3 pictures directed by Vincent Sherman. Co-stars David Brian for the 2nd time.

DVD, Blu-ray

11/2/50

apple02_1.gif Harriet Craig

Columbia

Harriet Craig, obsessive wife

Originated as 1925 play, then as 2 films, including 1936's Craig's Wife, starring Rosalind Russell. Joan's 2nd picture with director Sherman.

VHS, DVD

5/19/51

Goodbye My Fancy

Warners

Agatha Reed, congresswoman who returns to alma mater

Joan's third and last film directed by Sherman; fourth and last film with Robert Young.

DVD

2/9/52

This Woman Is Dangerous

Warners

Beth Austin, criminal

Joan's last contract picture with Warners. Co-stars Dennis Morgan and David Brian.

DVD

8/7/52

apple02_1.gif Sudden Fear

RKO

Myra Hudson, playwright and menaced wife

Joan's first independent film, which she co-produced. 3rd and final Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Co-starring Jack Palance.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

10/23/53

Torch Song

MGM

Jenny Stewart, musical star

Joan back at MGM after 10 years.

VHS, DVD

5/26/54

star01_yellow.gifapple02_1.gif Johnny Guitar

Republic

Vienna, saloon owner

Directed by Nicholas Ray, co-starring Mercedes McCambridge and Sterling Hayden. Cult fave.

Library of Congress essay.

VHS, DVD,  Blu-ray

8/19/55

apple02_1.gifFemale on the Beach

Universal-

International

Lynn Markham, lonely rich woman pursued by playboy

Co-stars Jeff Chandler.

DVD, Blu-ray

11/22/55

apple02_1.gif Queen Bee

Columbia

Eva Phillips, mean Southern matriarch

Written and directed by Ranald MacDougall, who wrote Mildred Pierce screenplay.

 VHS, DVD

8/1/56

apple02_1.gifAutumn Leaves

Columbia

Millicent Wetherby, lonely woman who marries younger mentally disturbed man

Co-stars Cliff Robertson. First of two directed by Robert Aldrich.

VHS, DVD (TCM "Joan Crawford in the 1950s" collection)

11/6/57

The Story of Esther Costello

 Columbia

Margaret Landi, rich woman who adopts deaf/dumb/blind Irish girland must fend off lecherous ex.

Filmed in England, co-stars Rossano Brazzi. Joan an uncredited co-producer.

 VHS, DVD

10/9/59

The Best of Everything

20th Century-Fox

Amanda Farrow, shrewish editor

Joan in small role; first film after husband Steele's death.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

10/31/62

star01_yellow.gifapple02_1.gif What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

 Warners

Blanche Hudson, crippled ex-movie star sister

Joan and Bette Davis's only co-starring film. A huge hit, Davis Oscar-nominated. Second of two directed by Robert Aldrich.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

8/21/63

 The Caretakers

United Artists

Lucretia Terry, mean head nurse in psych ward

Joan in small role; Robert Stack top-billed.

VHS, DVD

1/19/64

 apple02_1.gif Strait-Jacket

Columbia

Lucy Harbin, ax murderess returned home

First of two William Castle films. Diane Baker co-stars.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

5/15/65

 I Saw What You Did

 Universal

Amy Nelson, jealous lover

2nd and last Castle film. Joan in small role, but top billing.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

4/7/1967

The Karate Killers

MGM/Arena

Amanda True, widow

Originally a 2-part episode of the US TV series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," it was released theatrically both in Europe and in the US. Joan had cameo.

VHS; Region 1 and 2 DVD (as part of U.N.C.L.E. set)

1/11/68

Berserk!

Columbia

Monica Rivers, ringmistress

A low-budget Herman Cohen production shot in England. Co-starred Ty Hardin, Diana Dors.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray (as part of "Psycho Biddy Double Feature" with Strait-Jacket)

9/18/70

Trog

Warners

Dr. Brockton, scientist and Trog befriender

Joan's last film, another cheapie by Cohen shot in England.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

1/

 

Addendum: While Mommie Dearest is decidedly not a "Joan Crawford film," its effect on and intertwining with Joan's legacy cannot be ignored. Ironically, many present-day Joan aficionados first discovered her actual films after being introduced to her by MD. Thus I include MD.

 

9/18/81

Mommie Dearest

Paramount

Faye Dunaway plays
Joan Crawford

Based on Joan-daughter Christina's 1978 tell-all of same name. Winner of 1990 Razzie for Worst Film of the Decade.

VHS, DVD, Blu-ray

 

 


 

A Quick Guide to My Reviews/Reader Reviews on this Site

Many of the film pages above include reviews written by me, or readers of this site, or both.
Below is a chart indicating which film pages include our reviews/rankings. Click on a film title to go to the Our Reviews section of that film page.

If you'd like to see your review appear on this site, please send it in.

 

YEAR

FILM

MY REVIEW / RATING
(of 5 stars)

READERS' REVIEWS / RATINGS

(of 5 stars; most recent listed first)

1925

Lady of the Night

3

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

1925

Proud Flesh

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 3

1925

Pretty Ladies

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

Shane Estes -- 3-1/2

1925

The Circle

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

1925

The Midshipman

--

Tom C. -- 2-1/2

1925

Old Clothes

--

--

1925

Sally, Irene, and Mary

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

1926

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp

2

Tom C. -- 1-1/2

1926

Paris

--

--

1926

The Boob

2

Tom C. -- 1

Jon Denson -- 1

1927

Winners of the Wilderness

3

Tom C. -- 2-1/2

Shane Estes -- 4

1927

The Taxi Dancer

--

--

1927

The Understanding Heart

--

--

1927

Twelve Miles Out

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 2-1/2

Shane Estes -- 3

1927

The Unknown

4

Tom C. -- 5

Robert Larroque -- 4-1/2

Mike O'Hanlon -- 3

1927

Spring Fever

2

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Shane Estes -- 2-1/2

1928

West Point

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

1928

The Law of the Range

--

--

1928

Rose-Marie

--

--

1928

Across to Singapore

2

Tom C. -- 4

1928

Four Walls

--

--

1928

Our Dancing Daughters

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

Michael Lia -- 4

1928

Dream of Love

--

--

1929

The Duke Steps Out

--

--

1929

Hollywood Revue

2

Tom C. -- 2

Michael Lia -- 3

1929

Our Modern Maidens

3

Tom C. -- 2

Michael Lia -- 4

James -- 5

1929

Untamed

2

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Jon Denson -- 4

1930

Montana Moon

2

Tom C. -- 2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 1-1/2

1930

Our Blushing Brides

2

Michael Lia -- 3Mi

Julie Reynolds -- unrated

Scott -- 3

1930

Paid

3

Tom C. -- 4

Mike O'Hanlon -- 4-1/2

Jon M. -- 4

1931

Dance, Fools, Dance

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Michael Lia -- 3

Stephen -- unrated

1931

Laughing Sinners

3

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Michael Lia -- 3

1931

This Modern Age

2

Michael Lia -- 1-1/2

Shane Estes -- 3

Mike O'Hanlon -- 1-1/2

1931

Possessed

4

Tom C. -- 4

Michael Lia -- 5

Patrick -- 5

Michael H. -- unrated

1932

Grand Hotel

3

Tom C. -- 5

Michael Lia -- 5

Brad -- unrated

1932

Letty Lynton

4

Michael Lia -- 4

Shane Estes -- 5

Scott Coblio -- 5

1932

Rain

4

Michael Lia -- 5

Chris Hughes -- unrated

Louis -- unrated

Paul -- unrated

1933

Today We Live

1-1/2

Tom C. -- 1

Michael Lia -- 1

1933

Dancing Lady

4

Tom C. -- 4

Michael Lia -- 5

1934

Sadie McKee

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

Chris Leonard -- 4

Stuart Hoggan -- 3-1/2

1934

Chained

3

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Michael Lia -- 3

Jon Denson -- 3-1/2

1934

Forsaking All Others

2

Tom C. -- 2

Michael Lia -- 5

Mike O'Hanlon -- 3

1935

No More Ladies

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 3

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

1935

I Live My Life

2-1/2

Tom C. -- 3

Michael Lia -- 3

Jon Denson -- 3

1936

The Gorgeous Hussy

2

--

1936

Love on the Run

3

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Michael Lia -- 3

Mark Frewert -- unrated

1937

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

3

Michael Lia -- 3-1/2

Jon M. -- 3-1/2

1937

The Bride Wore Red

3

Michael Lia -- 3

Susanne -- 3

Jeff Barnes -- 3

1938

Mannequin

3

Tom C. --  3

Michael Lia -- 3

Susanne -- 3

1938

The Shining Hour

2

Tom C. -- 2

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

1939

Ice Follies of 1939

2

Michael Lia -- 1

Robert Viera -- unrated

1939

The Women

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 5

Michael Lia -- 5

Mike O'Hanlon -- unrated

1940

Strange Cargo

4

Tom C. -- 5
Michael Lia -- 4

1940

Susan and God

3-1/2

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

1941

A Woman's Face

4

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

reinventedsky -- 4

Michael Lia -- 5

LuLu -- 2

Brad -- unrated

1941

When Ladies Meet

2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

1942

Reunion in France

3

Shane Estes -- 2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 1

1942

They All Kissed the Bride

2-1/2

Shane Estes -- 3

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

1943

Above Suspicion

2

Chris Leonard -- 3

Michael Lia -- 3

Ed Guinea -- 4

1944

Hollywood Canteen

2

 

1945

Mildred Pierce

4-1/2

Tom C. -- 4

Stuart Hoggan -- 4

Michael Lia -- 5

James -- 5

1946

Humoresque

4-1/2

Stuart Hoggan --  3

Carl Parran -- unrated

Gabriel Neilson -- 6

Tasha Gude -- 5+

Michael Lia -- 5

Terry Wildish -- 5

James -- 5

1947

Possessed

4

Ricoh Vigen -- 5

Stuart Hoggan -- 4

Michael Lia -- 4

Harley -- unrated

James -- 1

1947

Daisy Kenyon

3

Tom C. -- 2

Michael Lia -- 4

Stuart Hoggan -- 3

Dolores Buckley -- 3

Norman Tipton, Jr. -- unrated

1949

Flamingo Road

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 4-1/2

Stuart Hoggan -- 2

Michael Lia -- 4

1949

It's a Great Feeling

3

Tom C. -- 3

1950

The Damned Don't Cry!

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 4-1/2

Michael Lia -- 4

Stuart Hoggan -- 2-1/2

Steve Alva -- 4

TJ -- 2-1/2

Todd -- 3

Scott Lindsey -- 4

1950

Harriet Craig

4

Tom C. -- 3

Chris Leonard -- 4

Stuart Hoggan -- 3

Bryan Johnson -- unrated

Shane Estes -- 5

Michael Lia -- 4

Mike O'Hanlon -- unrated

John Finley -- 5

Maureen Morrison -- unrated

1951

Goodbye, My Fancy

2-1/2

Vincent Estrada -- 2-1/2

Ricoh Vigen -- 2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

Jon Denson -- unrated

1952

This Woman Is Dangerous

--

Chip Hair -- 2-1/2

Chris Leonard -- 3

Michael Lia -- 1

John Linville -- unrated

Jon Denson -- unrated

1952

Sudden Fear

4

Stuart Hoggan -- 4

Ricoh Vigen -- 5

Sheila Hall -- unrated

Michael Lia -- 5

John Finley -- unrated

1953

Torch Song

--

Ricoh Vigen -- 3

Stuart Hoggan -- 2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 3

Scott Lindsey -- 3

1954

Johnny Guitar

4

Stuart Hoggan -- 5

Jon M. -- 5

1955

Female on the Beach

--

Michael Lia -- 3-1/2

Shane Estes -- 5

Kelly Pearce -- 4-3/4

Richie Williamson -- 5

1955

Queen Bee

3-1/2

Tom C. -- 3-1/2

Chris Leonard -- 4

Adrian Bettley -- 3

Ricoh Vigen -- 3

Stuart Hoggan -- 3

Steve Alva -- 4

Michael Lia -- 3

Pam -- 1

Jonathan from RI -- 5

James -- 2

1956

Autumn Leaves

3-1/2

Josef Coffey -- 5

Bryan Johnson -- 3

Steve Alva -- 4

Michael Lia -- 4

1957

The Story of Esther Costello

--

Michael Lia -- 4

Vincent A. Estrada -- unrated

Ed Guinea -- unrated

1959

The Best of Everything

--

Tom C. -- 2

Keith Seigle -- unrated

Steve Alva -- 3

Michael Lia -- 2

Todd -- 2

1962

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

--

Rocky Graciano -- 5

Stuart Hoggan -- 5

Gabriel Neilson -- unrated

Jack Boyd -- 5

Michael Lia -- 3

Logan Stephens -- 5

Susan White -- unrated

Dennis Jones -- unrated

Stephi D. -- 5

1963

The Caretakers

2

Michael Lia -- 1

Bryan Johnson -- unrated

Scott Lindsey -- 3

1964

Strait-Jacket

--

Chris Leonard -- 4

Shellie Berg -- 4

Jack Boyd -- 4

Scott Lindsey -- 3

Michael Lia -- 2-1/2

Ed Guinea -- unrated

Jon Denson -- 2

Jonathan from RI -- 4

James -- 3

1965

I Saw What You Did

2-1/2

Michael Lia -- 2

Shane Estes -- 3

Steve Alva -- unrated

Jonathan from RI -- 3

Jon M. -- 2-1/2

1967

The Karate Killers

--

Jack Boyd -- 2

1968

Berserk

--

Chris Leonard --  4

Stuart Hoggan -- 1

Bryan Johnson -- 2

Michael Lia -- 1

Jack Boyd -- 4

Jonathan from RI -- 5

1970

Trog

--

Tom C. -- 4

Michael Lia -- 2

Gaetano -- 2

George Prentice -- 5

Chris Leonard -- 3

Ed Guinea -- unrated

David from NorCal -- 2

Ricky from SoCal -- unrated

Roger G. -- 1/2

Scott Lindsey -- 2-1/2

Jonathan from RI -- 4

1981

(and...not a "Joan film," but your reviews are welcome here)

Mommie Dearest

--

John Scavens -- 5

Jack Boyd -- 1

Sandra -- 5

Danny M. -- 5

mycatjewel -- unrated

Jonathan from RI -- 5

James -- 0 as drama, 5 as comedy

 

 

 


Film Trivia

Joan's Most Frequent Co-Stars

 

Joan with Gwen Lee and William Haines in 1929's 'The Duke Steps Out.'Clark Gable. 8 films (Dance, Fools, Dance, 1931; Laughing Sinners, '31; Possessed, '31; Dancing Lady, '33; Chained, '34; Forsaking All Others, '34; Love on the Run, '36; Strange Cargo, '40)

Franchot Tone. 7 films (Today We Live, 1933; Dancing Lady, '33; Sadie McKee, '34; No More Ladies, '35; The Gorgeous Hussy, '36; Love on the Run, '36; The Bride Wore Red, '37)

Robert Montgomery. 6 films (Untamed, 1929; Our Blushing Brides, '30; Letty Lynton, '32; Forsaking All Others, '34; No More Ladies, '35; The Last of Mrs. Cheyney, '37)

William Haines. 5 films (Sally, Irene and Mary, '25; Spring Fever, '27; West Point, '27; The Duke Steps Out, '29; Hollywood Revue of 1929)

While the above leading men might come to mind first when thinking of Joan's co-stars, in fact, a couple of ladies actually appeared with her more frequently:

Gwen Lee. This early MGM player appeared with Joan in 9 films: Pretty Ladies, 1925; Lady of the Night, 1925; Twelve Miles Out, 1927; Untamed, 1929; The Duke Steps Out, 1929; Hollywood Revue of 1929; Our Blushing Brides, 1930; Paid, 1930; Mannequin, 1938.

Bess Flowers.  This perennial bit player appeared with Joan in 12 films: Untamed, Possessed ('31), Gorgeous Hussy, Shining Hour, Hollywood Canteen, Mildred Pierce, Humoresque, It's a Great Feeling, Damned Don't Cry, Sudden Fear, Torch Song, and Autumn Leaves.

 

Director Jack Conway, left, celebrates Joan's birthday on the set of 1929's 'Our Modern Maidens' with Doug Fairbanks Jr and Rod LaRocque (right).Most Frequent Directors

5 films: Clarence Brown, Jack Conway.

4 films: Harry Beaumont, Frank Borzage, George Cukor, W.S. Van Dyke.

3 films: Edmund Goulding, William Nigh, Vincent Sherman.  

2 films: Robert Aldrich, Dorothy Arzner (aside from the credited Bride Wore Red, she also finished up Mrs. Cheyney after director Richard Boleslawski unexpectedly died), Monta Bell (uncredited Joan in Lady of the Night and credited Lucille LeSueur in Pretty Ladies),  William Castle, Michael Curtiz, Robert Z. Leonard, David Miller, Jean Negulesco, Edward Sedgwick.  

Among the prominent one-timers were Tod Browning, Jules Dassin, Howard Hawks, Lewis Milestone, Otto Preminger, Nicholas Ray, William Wellman, and Sam Wood. (Not to mention
Steven Spielberg making his 1969 directorial debut on television with Joan's Night Gallery episode, "Eyes.")

 

 

The Shopgirl Myth

 

One of Joan's actual shopgirl roles of the '30s: Crystal Allen in 'The Women.' Here, with Rosalind Russell.Joan's roles of the 1930s are frequently referred to in film literature as being of the "shopgirl makes good" variety. In fact, of her 25 films made during the '30s, only twice---in 1930's Our Blushing Brides and 1939's The Women---does she actually play a shopgirl. (And in the latter, she hardly "makes good" at the end.) By far the most frequently recurring character-type for Joan in the '30s is that of a rich girl---one already born to money, not working her way up to it or marrying into it.

 

She plays a society girl in 8 films of the 1930s: Montana Moon ('30), This Modern Age ('31), Letty Lynton ('32), Today We Live ('33), Forsaking All Others ('34), No More Ladies ('35), I Live My Life ('35), and Love on the Run ('36). (Two other films that might fit into a "privileged" subcategory: In 1931's Dance, Fools, Dance, she starts out a socialite, but winds up a reporter after the market crash. In '36's The Gorgeous Hussy, she's an innkeeper's daughter, but one who mingles societally and intellectually with the prominent politicians of the day, including President Jackson.)

 

Joan does start poor but meet or marry rich in 4 films of the '30s: Possessed ('31, factory girl and rich politician), Sadie McKee ('34, maid turned night-club entertainer and rich, drunken sugar daddy followed by a younger rich nice guy), Mannequin ('38, factory worker/chorus girl/model and rich industrialist), and The Shining Hour ('38, night-club dancer and rich country gentleman).

 

But just as frequently, she plays an entertainer of some sort who might meet "nice," but not necessarily "rich": Laughing Sinners ('31, cabaret singer and Salvation Army officer), Dancing Lady ('33, showgirl and rough-edged show producer), The Bride Wore Red ('37, cabaret singer and gentle postman), Ice Follies of 1939 (ice-skater/actress and struggling skater hubby).

 

In 3 films, she plays a criminal: Paid ('30, ex-con, then blackmailer), Rain ('32, prostitute), The Last of Mrs. Cheyney ('37, jewel thief).

 

And in the two films of the 25 that are not quite categorizable: In '32's Grand Hotel, Joan's a stenographer of questionable reputation who winds up with a dying pensioner; in '34's Chained, she's at first "kept" by a rich older man, but winds up with true love, rancher Gable.

 


 

The Best of Everything