Golden Age Of Hollywood Joan Crawford

Throughout all her off-screen troubles, hard-working movie legend Joan Crawford danced and acted her heart out

Tough Beginnings

Joan Crawford’s 50-year career included more than 80 movies and an Oscar. She drew on experience for her on-screen persona of a feisty woman striving to better herself, as her upbringing was tough. Born Lucille LeSueur in 1908 – her chosen date – “Billie” as she was known had several stepfathers and worked from nine years old in menial jobs before an interest in dancing (she won a Charleston competition) led to work as a chorus girl. Signed up for Hollywood by an MGM scout, her name was changed – chosen by a magazine contest – and her film career began, playing showgirls in “flapper” silent movies.

“Miss Crawford was a quintessential superstar - an epitome of timeless glamour who personified for decades the dreams and disappointments of millions of American women” Peter B Flint, New York Times

Joan – then Lucille – aged six With Robert Montgomery in Untamed In Our Dancing Daughters With Clark Gable in Strange Cargo In Mildred Pierce

A poised, elegant Joan around 1940Xxxx