Joan Crawford: Hollywood Martyr

Astonishingly, this is the first biography of Joan Crawford to give the full, completely uncensored story. Bestselling author David Bret tells - in his inimitable way - Crawford's rags to riches story, 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 obsessions with rough sex. Bret divulges what really happened that lead her to practically disinherit her children, earn her the nickname 'Mommie Dearest', as well as how her loathed mother forced Crawford to work as a prostitute, make blue movies and sleep her way to the top.Bret analyses Crawford''s films, many of which were constructed purely as Joan Crawford vehicles where actress and character were often indistinguishable. Overtly generous towards her coterie of gay friends, she was unspeakably 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 with whom she shared a lifelong feud.Drawing on a wealth of unpublished material and interviews, including Marlene Dietrich (Bret''s personal friend) and Douglas Fairbanks, David Bret presents a unique portrait of a single-minded, uncompromising woman. This is a fascinating read.