Joan Crawford: More Than Just Shoulder Pads and Eyebrows
She’s the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour, a survivor whose career triumphantly spanned the talkies to technicolor, and, let’s be honest, a bit of a tough broad. Joan Crawford, with her signature arched eyebrows and shoulder pads that could have their own zip code, is a true Hollywood icon. But beyond the glitz and the gossip, lies a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
Enter Samuel Garza Bernstein, an award-winning author with a penchant for digging beneath the surface. In his new book, “Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon,” Garza Bernstein takes us on a journey through Crawford’s illustrious career, revealing the woman behind the mascara and reminding us why she still matters.
Mark your calendars, because this is one book launch you won’t want to miss! The official release is June fifth, but you can catch Garza Bernstein a day early at Diesel bookstore in Santa Monica. On June fourth, he’ll be discussing all things Crawford, from her impact on film to her surprising role as a proto-feminist icon. Trust us, you’ll want to be there to soak up all the juicy Hollywood history.
From Flapper to Femme Fatale: Joan Crawford’s Life on the Silver Screen
Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in nineteen-oh-six (yes, we know, a far cry from “Joan Crawford”), this small-town girl was destined for big things. Rising to fame during the Roaring Twenties, Crawford embodies the energy and ambition of a decade breaking free from convention. By the time the Great Depression hit, she was already a major star, captivating audiences with her smoldering gaze and undeniable talent.
But Crawford was more than just a pretty face. She gravitated towards roles that showcased strong, independent women who weren’t afraid to chase their dreams, both in love and in their careers. Sound familiar? It should. These are the qualities that still resonate with audiences today.
And let’s not forget her Oscar win! In nineteen forty-five, Crawford snagged the coveted award, cementing her place in Hollywood history. But her career didn’t stop there. This was a woman who knew how to keep audiences hooked. She continued to act well into the nineteen-sixties, even starring in the cult classic “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. Talk about a career comeback!
Garza Bernstein: Seeing Himself in a Hollywood Legend
So, what is it about Joan Crawford that fascinates Samuel Garza Bernstein so much? Well, it’s a little more than just her ability to rock a power suit (although, we’re sure that doesn’t hurt). Garza Bernstein is drawn to the parallels between Crawford’s often-dramatic life and his own, shall we say, unique upbringing.
Imagine this: Garza Bernstein’s mother was an undocumented Mexican immigrant who successfully passed as white. His father? Rumored to be involved in some shady arms dealing. Talk about a recipe for a childhood steeped in secrecy and, let’s just say, a heightened sense of reality.
In Crawford’s life and on-screen persona, Garza Bernstein sees a reflection of his own experiences. The need to create a persona, the struggle for acceptance, the constant battle to control the narrative – these are all themes that resonate deeply with him. And let’s be real, who among us hasn’t felt that way at some point?
Joan Crawford: More Than Just Shoulder Pads and Eyebrows
She’s the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour, a survivor whose career triumphantly spanned the talkies to technicolor, and, let’s be honest, a bit of a tough broad. Joan Crawford, with her signature arched eyebrows and shoulder pads that could have their own zip code, is a true Hollywood icon. But beyond the glitz and the gossip, lies a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
Enter Samuel Garza Bernstein, an award-winning author with a penchant for digging beneath the surface. In his new book, “Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon,” Garza Bernstein takes us on a journey through Crawford’s illustrious career, revealing the woman behind the mascara and reminding us why she still matters.
Mark your calendars, because this is one book launch you won’t want to miss! The official release is June fifth, but you can catch Garza Bernstein a day early at Diesel bookstore in Santa Monica. On June fourth, he’ll be discussing all things Crawford, from her impact on film to her surprising role as a proto-feminist icon. Trust us, you’ll want to be there to soak up all the juicy Hollywood history.
From Flapper to Femme Fatale: Joan Crawford’s Life on the Silver Screen
Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in nineteen-oh-six (yes, we know, a far cry from “Joan Crawford”), this small-town girl was destined for big things. Rising to fame during the Roaring Twenties, Crawford embodies the energy and ambition of a decade breaking free from convention. By the time the Great Depression hit, she was already a major star, captivating audiences with her smoldering gaze and undeniable talent.
But Crawford was more than just a pretty face. She gravitated towards roles that showcased strong, independent women who weren’t afraid to chase their dreams, both in love and in their careers. Sound familiar? It should. These are the qualities that still resonate with audiences today.
And let’s not forget her Oscar win! In nineteen forty-five, Crawford snagged the coveted award, cementing her place in Hollywood history. But her career didn’t stop there. This was a woman who knew how to keep audiences hooked. She continued to act well into the nineteen-sixties, even starring in the cult classic “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. Talk about a career comeback!
Garza Bernstein: Seeing Himself in a Hollywood Legend
So, what is it about Joan Crawford that fascinates Samuel Garza Bernstein so much? Well, it’s a little more than just her ability to rock a power suit (although, we’re sure that doesn’t hurt). Garza Bernstein is drawn to the parallels between Crawford’s often-dramatic life and his own, shall we say, unique upbringing.
Imagine this: Garza Bernstein’s mother was an undocumented Mexican immigrant who successfully passed as white. His father? Rumored to be involved in some shady arms dealing. Talk about a recipe for a childhood steeped in secrecy and, let’s just say, a heightened sense of reality.
In Crawford’s life and on-screen persona, Garza Bernstein sees a reflection of his own experiences. The need to create a persona, the struggle for acceptance, the constant battle to control the narrative – these are all themes that resonate deeply with him. And let’s be real, who among us hasn’t felt that way at some point?
That Time Joan Crawford Basically Invented the Modern Woman (Okay, Maybe Not Invented…)
It all started with a little film called “Our Dancing Daughters,” a silent movie released in nineteen-twenty eight. Garza Bernstein vividly remembers the first time he saw Crawford on screen, dancing her way into the hearts of flappers and heartthrobs alike. Even back then, she exuded a captivating blend of glamour and grit that set her apart from the rest.
But it wasn’t just her on-screen presence that captivated audiences; it was the characters she played. In “Our Dancing Daughters,” Crawford embodies the spirit of the modern woman – independent, ambitious, and unapologetically herself. She was a trailblazer, paving the way for generations of women to come.
Fast forward to today, and Crawford’s influence can still be felt. From the strong female characters we see on screen to the women breaking barriers in all aspects of life, it’s clear that Joan’s legacy of independence and empowerment continues to inspire.
Five Phases of Crawford: A Career More Dramatic Than a Telenovela
In “Starring Joan Crawford,” Garza Bernstein breaks down Crawford’s career into five distinct phases, each more captivating than the last. Think of it like binge-watching a really good TV show, but instead of plot twists, you get iconic movie roles, stunning fashion moments, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to make even the most seasoned gossip columnist blush.
Act One: The Influencer and It Girl (Because Even in the Roaring Twenties, Everyone Wanted to Be Joan)
Picture this: the jazz age is in full swing, flapper dresses are all the rage, and a young Joan Crawford is setting trends left and right. From her signature bob to her daring dance moves, she was the original influencer, captivating young women with her style and charisma. She was the ultimate “It Girl,” gracing magazine covers and becoming synonymous with the excitement and liberation of the era.
Act Two: Queen of the Movies (Bow Down, Bitches)
By the nineteen-thirties, Crawford had ascended to the throne of Hollywood royalty. She was box-office gold, her name alone enough to draw massive crowds to theaters. She commanded attention both on and off the screen, known for her fierce work ethic, her glamorous lifestyle, and, let’s be honest, her fair share of headline-grabbing romances.
Act Three: Motherhood, Martyrdom, and Making It All Work
As Crawford’s career flourished, so too did her personal life. She adopted four children, embracing motherhood with the same passion and intensity she brought to her acting. But juggling a demanding career and a growing family wasn’t always easy. Garza Bernstein explores the challenges and triumphs Crawford faced as a working mother, a theme that continues to resonate with women today, even if their daily routine doesn’t involve dodging paparazzi.
Act Four: From Glamour Queen to Dragon Lady (Don’t Mess With Joan, Honey)
As Crawford matured, so did her on-screen persona. She transitioned from playing romantic leads to tackling roles that showcased her strength and, let’s just say, her “take-no-prisoners” attitude. She wasn’t afraid to play characters with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit, often portraying women who were underestimated but always came out on top.
Act Five: The Survivor (Because Even Hollywood Icons Have a Final Act)
The final phase of Crawford’s career was marked by resilience and reinvention. Despite facing setbacks and personal challenges, she continued to work steadily, proving that she was a force to be reckoned with. And then came “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” – a film that not only revived her career but also solidified her status as a true Hollywood legend.
Yes, We’re Going There: Addressing the “Mommie Dearest” Elephant in the Room
Now, we can’t talk about Joan Crawford without addressing the elephant, or perhaps we should say, the wire hanger, in the room. The nineteen seventy-eight book and subsequent film “Mommie Dearest,” penned by Crawford’s adopted daughter Christina, painted a scathing portrait of the actress as an abusive mother.
Garza Bernstein doesn’t shy away from this controversy. He acknowledges the impact of “Mommie Dearest” and its lasting effect on Crawford’s public image. However, he also emphasizes that “Starring Joan Crawford” is not a tell-all or a takedown. It’s a celebration of her career, her talent, and her enduring influence on film.
Ultimately, Garza Bernstein hopes that Joan Crawford will be remembered not for the scandals or the sensationalized stories, but for her significant contributions to cinema and her undeniable status as a Hollywood icon. And who knows, maybe after reading his book, you’ll be inspired to host a Joan Crawford movie marathon. Just maybe skip “Mommie Dearest” and opt for a double feature of “Mildred Pierce” and “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” instead.
Ready to Dive into the World of Joan Crawford?
Don’t miss your chance to hear Samuel Garza Bernstein discuss his new book, “Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon,” at Diesel bookstore in Santa Monica on June fourth! It’s an evening guaranteed to be filled with fascinating insights, Hollywood history, and maybe even a few eyebrow-raising anecdotes. After all, this is Joan Crawford we’re talking about, darling, and where she goes, drama is sure to follow.
