Tag Archives: joan crawford

3 things about Ranald MacDougall’s QUEEN BEE

Posted on September 24, 2014 by robchristopher

Queen Bee [1955] 1. Telephone cord as lasso. Or noose. 2. “I don’t like the light. Put it out.” He snarls, “I know what you like and don’t like!” 3. Cold cream all over the mirror. Shades of Diane Ladd … Continue reading →

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3 things about Vincent Sherman’s HARRIET CRAIG

Posted on September 22, 2014 by robchristopher

Harriet Craig [1950] 1. While talking on the phone, she presents her feet to Clare so that she can put her shoes on for her. 2. “Yes, I know you now. I don’t like you.” 3.  A severe hairstyle, the … Continue reading →

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3 things about Nicholas Ray’s JOHNNY GUITAR

Posted on November 9, 2013 by robchristopher

Johnny Guitar [1954] 1. She moves in closer, looks straight at her and says, “I’m going to kill you.” 2. The magic of Trucolor. Flaming red shirt, flaming red lipstick. A red kerchief against a canary yellow shirt. 3. Emma … Continue reading →

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3 things about Otto Preminger’s DAISY KENYON

Posted on January 5, 2013 by robchristopher

Daisy Kenyon [1947] 1. She says, “I love you,” and he immediately bolts into the other room and pours himself a drink. 2. He never knocks before entering her apartment. He just barges in and shuts off the music. 3. … Continue reading →

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3 things about David Miller’s SUDDEN FEAR

Posted on June 3, 2012 by robchristopher

Sudden Fear [1952] 1. “I know a way.” Click. “I know a way.” Click. “I know a way.” Click. “I know a way.” Click. 2. Joan shows some leg. 3. Her eyes do not merely glow in the dark–they glisten … Continue reading →

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3 things about Ranald MacDougall’s QUEEN BEE

Posted on November 29, 2008 by robchristopher

Queen Bee [1955] 1. “You’re like some fancy kind of disease.” 2. She wears a sleeveless evening dress with elbow-length gloves. She fastens the bracelet on top of the gloves. 3. With her finger she writes “YOU WILL” in the steam on … Continue reading →

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3 things about Curtis Bernhardt’s POSSESSED

Posted on April 16, 2008 by robchristopher

Possessed [1947] 1. David slumped over the bar. He finishes a drink just as the bartender sets down a fresh drink. He immediately picks up the fresh drink and takes a slug. 2. Joan stands at the counter of the … Continue reading →

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Another Look

Posted on June 6, 2005 by robchristopher

After watching it again last night, here’s my mini-essay: “Mommie Dearest” has gotten an unfair reputation through decades of cable TV repeats and hearsay drag queen re-enactments as an over-the-top campy melodrama. Not true. The film takes itself very seriously … Continue reading →

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