TOML-4 Reviews

Mildred Pierce (1945)

This film is substantial film noir!

[10/10 · 2 September 1999]

The term "film noir" was developed by the French in reference to a style of filming - a mood, a setting, lighting, etc., which were first employed by film makers of low-budget B-movies who turned a low budget into a virtue without knowing it. During the making of "Mildred Pierce" EVERYONE on the set was talking about "FN". So much so that Crawford asked a camerman "What is all this film noir people are talking about?". Several volumes siting MP are available.

The Shining Hour (1938)

An amazingly intelligent soap opera.

[10/10 · 2 September 1999]

Although not the most exciting film, this soap opera is one of the 1930's most intelligent films. Crawford, Bainter and Sullivan are riviting in their respective roles. Crawford's stock-in-trade intelligent line readings are never more clearly outlined than in this film.

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937)

Joan displays the light touch for a change!

[10/10 · 2 September 1999]

Always a winner in sophisticated roles, Crawford had a huge hit with Cheyney. Far superior to the Shearer film (Norma only had 3 expressions), Crawford gives a heavy dose of credibility and leaves one wishing she had made My Man Godfrey, not Carole Lombard. It is her ability to take the most banal lines and give real meaning to them that enabled her to achieve greatness in roles that were not always very great. This being one of them.

The Bride Wore Red (1937)

A hidden jewel in the acting crown of Crawford.

[10/10 · 2 September 1999]

Considered a flop in the past(it is the film that got Joan labeled box office poison, despite the fact that the film before it, Mrs. Cheyney, was a big hit), viewed today, it is incredible how much Joan gave to an obviously butchered script. Her scenes alone in her "ivory tower" of a room, especially when she notices that the birds have gone from their nest, are acting in it's highest form. Strangely, this is one of a number of films where she plays the working girl that we DO NOT feel much sympathy for her.

I Live My Life (1935)

Screwball comedy a la Crawford!

[8/10 · 2 September 1999]

Crawford is very funny in this follow up to the trend started by It Happened One Night. Brian Aherne is miscast, but the are a good looking couple and there is some chemistry there, although not as much as there would be with Tracy or Gable. None-the-less, Crawford added a nice comedy to her dossier and it wears well even today.

Forsaking All Others (1934)

Yet another bombshell hit for Crawford.

[2 September 1999]

This is one of more than a dozen 1930's films which were blockbusters for Crawford. She is nothing less than hilarious in this film and it paved the way for I Live My Life and Susan and God. She and Gable had major chemistry, although her acting skills made his look inferior, which of course they were. Rosalind Russell and Crawford work very well together.

Paid (1930)

Crawford's first five star performance!

[10/10 · 2 September 1999]

Joan fought hard to keep this role from being stolen by Norma Shearer. It is the first time in films that she achieves a top level of acting which would become a trademark for her in later years. The scenes in the prison are particularly memorable. If only the other actors weren't so dated in style!