Joan Crawford: Hollywood Martyr

by David Bret

In the first biography of Joan Crawford to give the full, uncensored story, bestselling author David Bret tells Crawford's rags to riches climb, from working in a Kansas City laundry to collecting an Oscar for her defining role in Mildred Pierce, and on to her devotion to Christian Science and reliance on vodka. He discusses the star's legendary relationship with Clark Gable, her countless love affairs, her marriages — three of them to gay men — and her obsession with rough sex. Bret divulges what really happened that led her to disinherit two of her four children, earning her the nickname "Mommie Dearest," as well as how her loathed mother forced Crawford to work as a prostitute, appear in pornographic films, and sleep her way to the top.
Bret analyzes Crawford's films, many of which were constructed purely as vehicles where actress and character were often indistinguishable. Overtly generous towards her coterie of gay friends, she was heartless towards her enemies, particularly Bette Davis, her co-star in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, with whom she shared a lifelong feud.
Drawing on a wealth of unpublished material and interviews, David Bret presents a unique, fascinating portrait of a single-minded, uncompromising woman.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Film

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 2006

About the author

David Bret is a French-born British author of showbiz biographies. He chiefly writes on the private life of film stars and singers.

Reviews

[Mark Desrosiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently there are some factual errors here and there, and I could do without the lengthy plot synopses of nearly every film she made. But this is gossip at its best. Dishy, brutal, naked gossip. From Rudolph Valentino's enormous penis (Crawford is one of two people known to have used a life sculpture of this as a sex toy -- you will never guess who's the other) to her brutal Pepsi-magnate husband (who proved his love by giving her black eyes), nothing is spared, and little is verifiable. I especially enjoyed the tender finale where she hangs out with frail wheelchair-bound Franchot Tone (who also used to beat her up back in the day) while guzzling vodka by the pint. Completely biased, with some glaring omissions (my favorite is his convenient silence regarding Joan's drunken rages on the Johnny Guitar set, particularly those directed at Mercedes McCambridge), but a fun read.

Oh -- and this is why it gets three stars rather than two -- he sides with Joan against Christina. (I'm guessing this is where the bizarre title comes from.)

[Fulya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pure Hollywood rumour and her movie plots in details. I don't believe much of what's told in this book. I didn't like the book for two reasons. Firstly there isn't enough proof of the things claimed about her life, i.e. her early years as a prostitude, where's the evidence? Clearly, the writer doesn't need it and he wrote what was written in the gossip columns. And secondly, oh those dreadful pages of her movie plots. He writes about the stories of Crawford's movies. Every single one. For millions of pages. I had to skip most of the book because of this. Don't start with this book if you want to learn about Joan Crawford. And the title, another thing. I don't believe that the title was carefully chosen, either. What is the connection between Crawford and the symbols of martyrdom? If Joannie had been alive, she would have probably said "For Christ's sake, get of your ass!" about the book.

[Gareth Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is extremely thorough and well-researched on each of Joan Crawford's movie roles and, later, her work in television. Sometimes it feels a little as if this aspect took over from discussing Crawford's private life away from her work, her fascinating personality, and her struggles in the industry.

[Jack Gardner · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this one 0 stars, I would just for the poor research.

Sometimes with these "Tell all" biographies, you have to take them with a lick of salt. For "Joan Crawford: Hollywood Martyr" I would suggest an entire equine salt lick. In fact, if many of the people in the book were still alive, the author would have been sued for libel.

According to Bret nearly every male in Golden era Hollywood was gay or at least bi-sexual. If this is true, there must have been a lot of very frustrated actresses running around - those who weren't part of the "Baritone Babes" set and getting each other off that is. Oh and apparently Loretta Young, even though she was a devout Catholic, was the "Hollywood Drive Thru."

I could handle the trashy and questionable details if the verifiable details were correct. For an example, at one point he states that Billie Burke plays the "Blue Fairy" in the Wizard of Oz. This of course made my head explode as Glinda the Good Witch is the role that Burke is most remembered for and there's no way someone who had seen the film could mistake her as the Blue Fairy (what the hell is the Blue Fairy anyway??? Is he even familiar with this, one of the most iconic Golden Age movies ever made?)

That's just one example of dozens upon dozens of inaccuracies. If I tried to list them all, I'd have to retype most of the book into this review.

This publisher should be ashamed of publishing this book. There is more fiction in it than in either of Joan's autobiographies and Mommie Dearest combined. The only thing it is good for is kindling.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at one of the Golden Age of film's greatest stars. A brutally honest view of her early start (porno star, prostitute, highly sexual) in the industry, but sympathetic in her role as a Mother after the shocking portrayal of her in 'Mommie Dearest'. Researched well, in that there were many interviews with those who knew her, but still was full of what might be speculation... albeit very likely speculation...

At times, the synopses of her films in the beginning, were far too in-depth for a biography that is not a film analysis, but it was full of stories and anecdotes I'd never heard before... or had forgotten.

One disappointing part was that her later years were hardly covered. It almost felt rushed through in the final pages. While I do understand that she lead a much quieter (less to write about life) in those last years, I know there must have been more than was covered.

If you want a glossed over, G-rated, sunny portrayal of an actress-- then this book is not for you. But if rough language, frank descriptions of sex acts and venereal disease/crabs does not bother you in the least, then you need to read this book. For this feels to be a very honest & frank portrayal of one of the screens finest actresses-- or at least one of its biggest Stars!

[Richard Schaefer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh how I despised this book. All the warnings you’ve heard about David Bret are true; he’s a scandalmonger far more interested in repeating salacious gossip than getting to the truth of things. As other reviewers have mentioned, he also seems obsessed with claims that basically every Hollywood star was gay, which would be fine if he offered even a shred of proof. I knew I was in trouble the first time he cited Hollywood Babylon as a reliable source of information; I love Holly Baby, but as a repository of bitchy gossip, not a source of truth.
And everyone agrees Christina Crawford’s Mommie Dearest is exaggerated, but Brett tries to claim she was a wholesale liar, without offering evidence. He makes one especially absurd claim along the lines of “surely if what Christina said was true, the studio would have covered it up, so the fact that there is no evidence of a cover up means it didn’t happen!” (That’s not a quote, mind you, but it is a summation of his argument)
If I am forced to say something positive about this book, it’s that he has real admiration for Crawford’s acting (when he’s not slinging dubious tales about her promiscuity); he provides summaries of every film she made, but even these become exhausting. This book is worthless as scholarship, and it isn’t fun in its gossipy nature; it’s an infuriating slog.

[Kara Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

loved the chronology of her life but detested how the author gives a 5th - grader level summary of every film she makes along the timeline. It's painful how the author illustrates every detail of each film. Book would have been a 5 star without the movie 'book reports'

[Marnie Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars... I agree with most other readers that it was really too much how the author described every one of her films/characters, if I was interested in all that I would just watch her movies. There was a lot of gossip but no real "inside" information. I also found it a bit inappropriate that the author basically calls Christina a liar with regards to her story... sure it might not all be accurate but is this book?? I find it difficult to believe that there is no grain of truth to Christina's story. The author also makes it out like Bette Davis is a real bag but I bet if I read her book she would have said the same thing about Joan lol.. I do now have a better appreciation for Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, I've rewatched that movie along w/Mommie Dearest since reading the book. Interesting times for sure. I found it funny how one reader noted that everyone in Hollywood was gay and sleeping around as I wondered about that too after reading this!

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trashy bio is not really even very fun, rather mean-spirited at times, and mostly devoid of insight. But there's some vicious gossip here and there, which keeps you turning those pages. For Crawford fans the Bob Thomas bio from the 70s is the best of the ones I've read.

[Orla Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitchy, gossipy and deliciously indiscreet. She was tough... so tough, and she had to be. Hollywood glamour wasn’t that glamorous. Desperately painful life overall, littered with sexual abuse, domestic violence and several gay husbands- while she was at the top of her game. Her strength, wit, self preservation and determination shine through. She was beautiful, smart and also destroyed by men & family. The feuds she appeared to enter into with relish are very amusing. A great read, it would help if you’re a fan. It is probably littered with liberal exaggeration but, who cares- like the lady herself, it’s kind of unforgettable.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The other reviews I read of this book were right on the money--the author spends too much time detailing every movie in Crawford's career--and not enough time on her personal life. He also draws a lot on previous work on the actress rather than offering original and new information. I did learn some interesting and fun facts and tidbits, though, and I liked that--I basically did a lot of skimming to get to the good stuff.

[Rose Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

No foot notes or end notes. There is a short bibliography.

[Lee Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Or: Everyone's Gay: The Joan Crawford Story

Consider the source, you know I'm no prude, so when I tell you this book is too obsessed with the sex habits of its subject and everyone else involved, listen up. I know the Hollywood of 100 years ago was a modern-day Sodom, but listening to Bret describe Joan as a slut and nearly every one of her husbands and lovers as a bisexual pugilist got tiresome fast.

He also spends too much time summarizing the plots of Joan's movies (I skimmed or outright skipped these pages; at this point, I certainly don't need to read it.) in lieu of actual biographical detail. He trots out that apocryphal "If this is how I look, they won't see me again" story, and where the hell is Mamacita?

[Stephanie Meyers Helms · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I was hoping for some guilty pleasure, trashy gossip. And I did get that. But I loathed the 60%+ of the book that consisted of super detailed summaries of every Joan Crawford film. That level of dreary detail killed this for me. It ended a little stronger, focusing on Joan herself rather than the films. It was a long road to get there though. Too long.

[E.T. Rook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this bio on Joan. I would have liked to have more on her private life and less on the synopses of her films. But in the research and recounting of her private life as it involved her many iconic films and her unforgettable career, the book is excellent.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers Joan childhood briefly and then moves on to cover her film career in detail. Book was limited in its scope and focused on mostly on gossipy information and facts. I did however enjoy the book, and found it interesting.
Author writes too much on her movies and includes lengthy, boring step by step outlines of what happens in the films. My impression was that this fattened up the book nicely...this book would have been very sparse without it.
My major criticism is that author seems very biased, emabarrassingly so at times. It seems that Joan can do no wrong, and too much energy was focused on bad mouthing her children in bitchy, immature ways. Cleary, Joan suffered a traumatic and most likely abusive childhood with an abusive mother. She particapated in violent relationships as well. It would not be unusual for a woman of that time period who got no help with her issues to continue pattern of abuse (especially when placed in a mothering role). The author's diatrabe's against her children (demonizing the bad ones, glorifying the good ones) left me feeling like the author checked objectivity at the door.
While I understand that Joan's fans (I am one!)may be concerned about the legacy of Mommie Dearest, the author's energy would have been better spent discussing these issues in a more objective way. It is possible in this day and age to have some sympathy for Joan and how she grew up and to understand ramifications of her childhood and the time period she grew up. I don't need Joan to be perfect.
I did not care for this author, but I did enjoy the book. I feel the need to read some more books on her as this seemed more a skeletal outline. I was left feeling that there was more to Joan Crawford.

[Laura Ostermeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Most of the book seemed to focus on brief synopsis of each of Joan Crawford's films.

[Begona Fernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't see the reason for this book's title. Joan was never a victim and definitely never a saint and that is why people loved her.

To read this portrayal of Joan, the tough woman with an outrageous sense of humour and sex life is an enjoyable but also a painful affair. There is no doubt that the author is on Joan's side; sometimes it sounds like he is in love with her, but he is only interested on the scandal. This book ends up feeling like a list of Joan's films, explained in detail that I just kept skipping, and lovers. Ironically little of Joan's character/way of thinking comes through.

Managed to finish it, but it was not my cup of tea.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not make it through this book, but what I did read convinced me not to continue because it was clear that the author only cared about writing synopses of her films with little information about Joan's personal life. I love her films but I bought this book in hopes of learning more about her personal life. This book does not do that. I have read another book about Crawford by another author (sorry I can't remember his name) and this other book achieved that balance between her public and personal life; spending enough time on her films but much more attention to who she was off screen.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the other readers here who were not particularly into the author telling us absolutely everything about each of the films she was in. I would like to watch the films and not know what happens at the end!
A lot of gossip which fans of old Hollywood would like, but there was a lot of Christina Crawford bashing which was only slightly bias. Bret was happy to say how wrong she was in everything she said, but provided no evidence as to why she was wrong and never tried to prove that Crawford herself was a good mother.

[Nancy Loe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable if gossipy take on Crawford. Bret is one of those authors who is determined to prove that just about everyone in Hollywood is gay, even if he has no sources either way. Marred by sloppy factoids here and there, like Norma Shearer never remarrying, which again throws into doubt the veracity of Bret's entire approach.

[TJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lies and tripe. This writer should work for the enquirer! He is full of baseless accusations. meant to sell books and not inform on the life of a person he probably dresses up as every halloween in weho. They called Crawford a bitch? Bret is a the real bitch.

[Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are always new stories about Joan Crawford to tell, and her legend lives on through the eyes of others. It's a gripping read!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable development of an unruly vulgar dancer and prostitute to a talented actress and lasting presence within Hollywood's upper echelons. Fittingly, I read this in Paris.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was padded with detailed descriptions of her films. It had some interesting parts, but it was very hard to read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading biography by british authors and this one was no differnet. I think Joan Crawford is a true Hollywood icon. Fun read.

[Duane Donecker]

Not the type of biography I normaly read, however I may start as I rather enjoyed this one.

[Laura Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

How much of it was really true? Not very good.

[Ranee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for smut.