July 21st, 2024
YouTube
Added two "I Saw What You Did" related videos to the Website's YouTube channel.
1: Joan attending the film's cast and press cocktail party (November 26th, 1964)
2: Joan at a New York theater premiere of the film (July 21st, 1965)
May 26th, 2024
Acting Career: Scripts
Added a complete excerpt from "The Best of Everything" script pertaining to Joan's deleted "drunk scene."
Acting Career: Wardrobe Sketches
Added three Norma Koch sketches of Joan's wardrobe for "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte."
The Archive: Professional Documents
Added fourteen pages of casting and salary documents pertaining to "The Best of Everything."
Photo Gallery
Added 10 photos to the Galleries. These additions include:
1959: 5 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Louisville, Kentucky. (May 19th, 1959)
1959: 2 photos of Joan at the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. (May 22nd, 1959)
1974: 3 color photos of Joan at The Rainbow Room. (September 24th, 1974)
April 28th, 2024
Photo Gallery
Added 70 photos to the 1964 Photo Gallery. These additions include:
7 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Corpus Christi, Texas. (February 29th, 1964)
6 photos of Joan attending the opening celebration of Disney's "It's A Small World" ride at the 1964 World's Fair in Queens, New York. (April 22nd, 1964)
Note: Despite the false and unsourced claims online, Joan did not organize or spearhead the "It's A Small World" ride. She attended the premiere of the ride as a representative of Pepsi-Cola and UNICEF, both of whom sponsored the ride.
7 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony for the new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Tupelo, Mississippi. (April 25th, 1964)
9 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony for the Beaman Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Nashville, Tennessee. (April 26th, 1964)
41 photos of Joan arriving and attending the annual Pepsi-Cola stockholder's meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. (May 6th, 1964)
February 11th, 2024
The Archive: Personal life
Added a special page documenting this Webmaster's meeting and interview with artist Don Bachardy and his memories of drawing Joan on February 9th, 1974.
The Archive: Letters & Correspondence
Added the following letter to Joan:
Don Bachardy's two-page December 27th, 1973 letter to Joan, asking if he may draw her soon.
Added the following six letters from Joan:
A November 23rd, 1965 letter to Joan's former assistant Electra Dennis, thanking her for helping Christina in Chicago.
A September 10th, 1971 letter from Joan to friend Chuck Frederickson mentioning the deaths of her poodles and her adoption of a new Shih-Tzu.
A 1972 Christmas greeting to actor/comedian Jerry Lewis and wife Patti.
Two 1975 letters to publicist John Springer: January 6th, 1975, informing Springer what it means to be a "friend"; and March 10th, 1975, declining Springer's invitation to join his new project (a film version of "Follies").
A February 24th, 1977 letter to friend/reporter Nadine Edwards.
January 9th, 2024
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary "Strait-Jacket" and continuing the website's "Strait-Jacket" additions from January 7th:
Photo Gallery
1964: Added 19 promotional photos and film stills from "Strait-Jacket"
1964: Added 26 promotional tour photos for "Strait-Jacket."
YouTube
Added footage of Joan promoting "Strait-Jacket" at a New York theater. (January 1964)
January 7th, 2024
Photo Gallery
Added 58 photos to the Galleries. The additions include:
1961: Added 5 color photos of a photo shoot in Joan's Fifth Avenue apartment. (Spring 1961) (Special thanks to Leonardo)
1963: Added 11 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola botting plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (April 2nd-3rd, 1963)
1963: Added 3 photos of Joan attending the Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany. (June 30th, 1963)
1963 Added 4 photos of Joan at a party in her honor in Palm Beach, Florida (December 1963)
1964: Added 1 publicity photo. (Circa 1964)
1964: Added 15 stills and publicity photos from "Strait-Jacket"
1964: Added 16 production photos from "Strait-Jacket"
1966: Added 3 photos of Joan in Nice, France. (April 14th, 1966)
The Archive: Contracts and Documents
Added Joan's eight-page contract for "Strait-Jacket" (May 17th, 1963)
Added 19 documents pertaining to Joan's contingent compensation payments for "Strait-Jacket" (June 24th, 1968 - September 9th, 1975)
Added 4 pages of production documentation pertaining to casting choices, billing and cast salaries for "Strait-Jacket" (March 15th - July 19th, 1963)
Added Joan's April 19th, 1965 "General Services" contract with The William Morris Agency.
Added Joan's April 19th, 1966 "Theatrical Motion Picture Artist's Manager" contract with The William Morris Agency.
Added Joan's April 19th, 1971 "Exclusive Management Contract" contract with The William Morris Agency.
The Archive: Letters and Correspondence
Added an October 12th, 1959 letter from Joan to reporter/friend Shirley Eder regarding "living dangerously." (From the Webmaster's collection)
Added a June 21st, 1971 letter from Joan to Edith Castle (wife of producer/director William Castle)
Added a December 2nd, 1975 letter to Dore Freeman regarding Hollywood news and the film "Airport 77." (From the Webmaster's collection)
Added an April 8th, 1977 letter to Dore Freeman. According to Freeman, this was the final letter he received from Joan. (From the Webmaster's collection)
December 17th, 2023
The Archive: Debunking
Added a page debunking the, now infamous, fake August 11th, 1962 Crawford letter to Robert Aldrich regarding Bette Davis' "body odor."
Photo Gallery
Added 19 photos to the Galleries. These additions include:
1965: Added 11 color candids of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola banquet in Charlotte, NC. (April 9th, 1965) (Special thanks to Crawford researcher "Billie Cassin")
1968: Added 8 color candids of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola banquet in Charlotte, NC. (May 16th, 1968) (Special thanks to Crawford researcher "Billie Cassin")
October 22nd, 2023
Photo Gallery
Added 43 photos to the Galleries. These additions include:
1962: Added 7 wardrobe, makeup and hair tests for "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?"
1962: Added 10 photos of Joan, her daughters and Bette Davis on the sound stage and locational sets for "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?"
1962: Added 3 set and publicity photos, as well as details, for two deleted scenes in "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?"
1962: Added 4 photos of Joan in the Trophy Room at the Warner Bros. studio. (July 18th, 1962)
1964: Added 1 cast chair photo for "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (prior to Joan leaving the film). (May 1964)
1964: Added 1 contact sheet consisting of 12 color photos of Joan on the set of "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte."
1964: Added 1 photo consisting of 6 photos of Bette Davis watching Joan film her locational scenes for "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte."
The Archive: Biographies
Added a title menu at the top of the Biographies page.
Added my review of Robert Dance's 2023 biography "Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford's March To Stardom"
June 25th, 2023
Photo Gallery
1958: Added 5 publicity photos of Joan and Alfred Steele in their newly-remodeled apartment at 2 East 70th Street. (September 1958)
1961: Added 1 publicity photo of Joan in her apartment at 2 East 70th Street by photographer D. Wynn for "Vogue" magazine. (Spring 1961)
1968: Added 3 publicity photos of Joan that were taken in Joan's apartment at 2 East 70th Street.
1971: Added 5 photos of Joan in Valdosta, Georgia to attend the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant. (June 4th, 1971)
The Archive: Joan's Apartments
Revised the website's page documenting Joan's apartment at 2 East 70th Street to including dozens of additional interior and exterior photos; facts about the apartment; sales and buyer history; a complete written tour of the apartment; and the first ever floorplan for the apartment's layout as it appeared during Joan's residency, along with a modern day floorplan of the apartment.
Acting Career
Added the following titles to the "Missed Opportunities" list:
Greta Garbo Tribute Special (Television) (1963)
"A Summer Affair" (1964)
"John Brown's Body" (Stage) (1967)
"Don Juan In Hell" (Stage) (1967)
June 18th, 2023
The Archive: Joan's Personal Belongings
Added 26 photos to the "Personal Belongings" page pertaining to Joan-owned items auctioned on June 19th, 1993 by Christies East in Manhattan, New York. These include photos of Joan-owned dresses from this Webmaster's collection, along with Joan-owned sweaters, wigs, boas and Joan's Academy Award for "Mildred Pierce." Along with the photos is a brief description of the pictured item with the estimated and realized auction prices.
YouTube
Added footage of the June 19th, 1993 Christies East auction of Joan's Academy Award and personal belongings.
April 30th, 2023
Photo Gallery
Added 75 photos to the galleries. These additions include 74 photos to the 1963 gallery:
3 photos of Joan being presented with the Pepsi-Cola Pally Award in Manhattan, New York (February 23rd, 1963)
10 photos of Joan at a social function in March 1963
5 photos of Joan being honored in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 1963)
11 photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant dedication in Tulsa, Oklahoma (April 1st-April 3rd, 1963)
19 photos of Joan at the 35th annual Academy Awards ceremony in Santa Monica, California (April 8th, 1963)
5 photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant dedication in San Diego, California (April 24th-26, 1963)
10 photos of Joan at the annual Pepsi-Cola stockholder's meeting in Wilmington, Delaware (May 1st, 1963)
5 photos of Joan at The White House in Washington, D.C. (May 3rd, 1963)
3 photos of Joan presenting Anne Bancroft with the "Best Actress" Academy Award in Manhattan, New York (May 7th, 1963)
2 Screenshots of Joan on the German television show "Die Schaubuden Story" (June 1963)
1 photo of Joan with Richard Nixon at the Baker Hotel in Dallas, Texas (November 21st, 1963)
And 1 photo to the 1973 gallery:
1 photo of Joan with Brazilian soccer player Pelé (May 9th, 1973)
April 9th, 1963
The Archive
Added a new debunking page regarding the allegation that Joan campaigned against Bette Davis for the 1962 "Best Actress" Academy Award.
Added photos of a floral bouquet left at Joan's crypt a Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York. Courtesy of Crawford fan Kevin de l'Aigle.
March 19th, 2023
Photo Gallery
Added 43 previously unseen hair and wardrobe photos of Joan from "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." (1964) This new addition makes 201 photos in the gallery of Joan during the production of "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" - More than double that any other source has ever produced.
Missed Opportunities
Added the following titles to the Missed Opportunities list:
"Past All Dishonor" (1946)
"Anna Lucasta" (1947)
"Women Without Men" (1948)
"Kiss In The Dark" (1948)
"The Fountainhead" (1948)
"La Otra" (1948)
"Broadway Revisited" (1949)
"Harriet Craig" (1950 (Stage)
Untitled Weekly Radio Show (1951)
February 26th, 2023
Photo Gallery
Added 9 photos of Joan arriving in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on a trip for Pepsi-Cola (November 1st, 1970)
The Archive:
Added an official 1971 Pepsi-Cola biography press release on Joan.
Added the September 23rd, 1925 check to Louise Artisdale for naming Joan "Joan Crawford" in the 1925 MGM-sponsored "Movie Weekly" magazine contest to rename Lucille Lesueur.
February 5th, 2023
Photo Gallery
Added 3 previously unseen color candids of Joan at the 27th annual Golden Globe awards in Los Angeles, California. (February 2nd, 1970)
The Archive: Debunking
Added a new page devoted to debunking the internet rumor that Joan Crawford's adopted children were, in any way, illegally obtained by notorious Tennessee Children's Home operator Georgia Tann. This page is complete with information and documentation detailing the births and adoptions of all of Joan's children, including the "first Christopher."
The Archive: Vital Records
Added the following documents to this section:
Christina Crawford's adoption documentation (May 9th, 1940)
Christopher Crawford's adoption documentation (April 15th, 1946)
Cathy Crawford's adoption documentation (June 11th, 1948)
Joan Crawford and Phillip Terry's Final Divorce Judgement (April 25th, 1946)
The Archive: Publications
Added a September 1995 newspaper article detailing the births and biological family of Cathy and Cynthia Crawford.
August 28th, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 81 new photos to the galleries. These additions include:
1957: Added 49 photos of Joan and Alfred Steele's Pepsi-Cola tour in Africa (August - September 1957)
1963: Added 4 photos of Joan at the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Windsor, Connecticut. (August 29th, 1963)
1965: Added 1 color candid of Joan at the film premiere of “Lord Jim” at the Lowe State Theater in Los Angeles, California. (March 4th, 1965)
1965: Added 2 color candid photos of Joan at the Hollywood Publicists Guild luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. (April 2nd, 1965)
1968: Added 6 screenshots of Joan's interview at Los Angeles International airport. (April 28th, 1968)
1969: Added 1 publicity photo. (Circa 1969)
1969: Added 4 screenshots of Joan's appearance in a commercial for Mountain Dew. (Circa 1969)
1971: Added 5 photos of Joan at Theatre 80 in Manhattan, New York. (September 7th, 1971) (Courtesy of Sean)
1974: Added 4 color candid photos and 2 black and white photos of Joan and others at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, New York. (September 23rd, 1974) (The 4 color candids are courtesy of Sean)
The Archive: Programs, Invitations and Transcripts
Added the dinner menu for a dinner held in Joan and Alfred Steele's honor in Nairobi, Africa on August 23rd, 1957.
YouTube
Added 5 new videos to the website's YouTube channel. These additions include:
A 1965 interview with Bette Davis regarding Joan, "Baby Jane," "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." (Circa 1965)
A 1965 interview with Barbara Stanwyck regarding Joan and her offer to appear in "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." (Circa 1965)
Joan's 1968 appearance at Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon. (September 1st, 1968)
Joan's 1969 appearance at Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon via a pre-recorded message on the set of "Trog." August 31st, 1969)
Joan's 1970 appearance at Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon via a voiceover recording. (September 6th, 1970)
August 21st, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 24 screenshots from media coverage of Joan's funeral at Campbell's Funeral Home in Manhattan, New York. I have taken the liberty of identifying the guests featured in the screenshots. (May 13th, 1977)
The Archive
Added a certified copy of Alfred Steele's death certificate which confirms an autopsy was performed and that Steele's cause of death was an occlusion coronary (a heart attack brought upon by plaque buildup that is blocking the coronary artery) as a result of untreated artery disease.
Letters and Correspondence
Added a new 1950s section to display letters by Joan to others from 1950 to 1959. I have added 16 new letters to this section from my personal collection, and plan to add many more. Among the new letters are correspondence to journalist Lawrence J. Quirk regarding his article on Bette Davis; Robert Stack regarding his 1957 Academy Award loss; Irv Kupcinet on her Sutton Place letterhead; Jerry Wald regarding "The Best of Everything"; and letters to fans regarding her film career and traveling plans. Also included is a two-page 1950 letter from Joan's fan club president, Edith Clemens, to a new member.
In addition, 6 new letters from the 1960s and 1970s have been added to their respective sections. These letters include:
4 letters to Joan's friend and English physician, Dr. Oscar Steiner; A 1966 Christmas greeting; a July 19th, 1970 "thank you" letter for Dr. Steiner's recent medical treatment of her feet in Paris, France; a 1972 Christmas greeting; and a 1973 Christmas greeting.
Also newly added is a July 7th, 1962 letter to Robert Stack regarding their work together on "The Caretakers" and a November 18th 1968 invitation to the Robert H. O'Brian dinner at the Americana Hotel.
YouTube
Added a remastered version of Joan's interview upon her arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on April 28th, 1968. This remastered version also includes 20 seconds of additional footage that had not been included on prior public releases.
Added a remastered version of the raw and unedited media coverage outside of Joan's funeral service outside of Campbell's Funeral Home in Manhattan, New York on May 13th, 1977. This remastered version includes several minutes of footage not previously released publicly, which depicts footage of Joan's daughter's, Cathy LaLonde and Cindy Jordan; Christopher Crawford; and Joan's niece, Joan Lowe.
August 14th, 2022
The Archive
Added Anna LeSueur's death certificate.
Added documents and correspondence pertaining to Anna LeSueur's life insurance policy.
1964 Photo Gallery
Added 2 photos of Joan at the Beaman Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Nashville, Tennessee. (April 26th, 1964)
YouTube
Added a newly remastered version of Joan's April 28th, 1968 LAX interview. This version has been remastered from the original screener, with many of the footage blemishes and skips that were present in the previously released version now corrected. Along with the footage corrections is an additional 20 seconds of footage not previously released.
August 4th, 2022
The Archive: Debunking Pages
Added three new debunking pages, they are:
1. The Joan Crawford-Marilyn Monroe "Feud" (Debunks the claim that Joan had a feud with actress Marilyn Monroe)
2).The Joan Crawford-Marilyn Monroe Sexual Allegation (Debunks the claims that Joan had a sexual liaison with actress Marilyn Monroe)
3. Joan Crawford's Sexuality Allegation (Debunks the claims that Joan was a lesbian or bisexual)
The Archive: Publications
Added two articles pertaining to Joan's alleged "feud" with Marilyn Monroe:
1. Associated Press article by Bob Thomas - March 2nd, 1953
2. "Modern Screen" magazine article by Louella Parsons - July 1953
July 14th, 2022
The Archive
Created a new debunking page regarding Diane McBain's decades-long allegation that Joan had her scenes cut from "The Caretakers."
The Archive
Added Polly Bergen's preliminary agreement for "The Caretakers." This agreement details the billing agreement among the film's leading actors.
Photo Gallery
Added 32 photos to the galleries, which include:
1962: Added 2 photos of Joan eating cake at a special party in her honor at Lucey's Restaurant in Hollywood, California. June 22nd, 1962
1963: Added 30 stills, set photos and publicity photos for "The Caretakers." (Premiered August 21st, 1963)
June 12th, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 18 photos to the galleries, which include:
1961: Added 3 photos of Joan in Italy, these include: Joan at a bowling alley with a group of Pepsi-Cola employees; Joan at a Pepsi-Cola press conference; and Joan with an Italian Pepsi-Cola executive in Milan, Italy. (June 1961)
1962: Added 7 color photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola publicity event outside of the Coliseum in Rome, Italy. (June 1st, 1962)
1973: Added 7 photos of Joan at the recording of her film introductions for WNEW-TV (Channel 5 in New York). (Premiered June 10th, 1973)
1974: Added 1 photo of Joan at the Rainbow Room party. This photo is the unedited version of the photo, prior to the media blacking out the background of the photo. The edited media version was used by publications following Joan's death. (September 23rd, 1974)
The Chronicle
Added dates detailing Joan's attendance at the Pepsi-Cola plant dedication ceremony in Tampa, Florida in April 1961, and her attendance at a Pepsi-Cola plant dedication ceremony in Topeka, Kansas in May 1961. These plant dedication ceremonies have also been added to the Pepsi-Cola plant dedication list.
Missed Opportunities
Added "Cannon" (1975) to the list of list of missed opportunities. Joan was reportedly offered the role of "Thelma Cain" in the episode "The Star," but turned it down. Joan Fontaine portrayed the role.
May 10th, 2022
The Archive
Added a new debunking page devoted to the death of Joan Crawford. This debunking page contains never-before-released information surrounding Joan's death; which includes details this Webmaster obtained via one-on-one interviews I had with Joan's doctor, Nicholas Pace; Imperial House neighbor, Selma Mertz; and Princess' groomer, Terry Kaufman.
The Archive: Vital Records
Added Joan's May 12th, 1977 death certificate
The Archive: Published Articles
Added five articles regarding Joan's death. These include:
May 11th, 1977 "Joan Crawford Is Dead At 69" ("New York Daily News")
May 28th, 1977 "Even Crawford Got The Blues" ("The New York Post")
May 30th, 1977 "Joan Crawford's Eerie Last Months" ("People" magazine)
July 1977 "The Sad, Lonely Death of Joan Crawford" ("Photoplay Film Monthly")
September 14th, 1977 "Joan Crawford: Did She Plan Her Own Death?" ("Movie Star" magazine)
YouTube:
Added a video regarding the death lie by Joan's Imperial House neighbor, and gossip columnist, Doris Lilly.
April 24th, 2022
The Archive: Personal Life
Added a new section devoted entirely to the life and career of Joan's husband, Alfred Nu Steele. The section features a complete biography of Alfred's early life, family and his business career. Also included are many rare and unpublished photos.
Photo Gallery
1968: Added 3 photos of Joan at a "Keep America Beautiful" convention at the Biltmore Hotel in Manhattan, New York. (November 19th, 1968)
April 19th, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 38 photos to the 1959 Gallery, which includes:
3 screenshots of Joan attending an interview in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (January 29th, 1959)
1 photo of Joan at the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (January 30th, 1959)
6 screenshots of Joan and Alfred Steele at a Pepsi-Cola press conference in Dallas, Texas. (April 1st, 1959)
1 photo of Joan and Alfred Steele at a Pepsi-Cola press conference in Albany, New York. (April 11th, 1959)
12 photos of Joan and Alfred Steele in Charlotte, North Carolina. (April 13th, 1959)
1 photo of Joan and Alfred Steele presenting John F. Kennedy with an award in Washington, D.C. (April 17th, 1959)
6 photos of Alfred Steele's funeral service at Saint Thomas Church in Manhattan, New York. (April 22nd, 1959)
1 photo of Joan attending her first Pepsi-Cola board of directors meeting in Manhattan, New York. (May 7th, 1959)
The Archive: Letters to Joan
Added 13 letters to a special section devoted to condolence correspondence Joan received regarding the death of Alfred Steele on April 19th, 1959.
The new letters in this section include letters from: director Rod Amateau; Albert Ardmore; Dave Chasen (of Chasen's restaurant); Noel Coward; Marion Davies; Joan's former husband, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Bob Hope; former Pepsi-Cola president Walter Mack; Joan's cousin, Lawrence LeSueur; Frederick M. Morris of Saint Thomas Church; Louella Parsons; Joan's childhood friend, Louis Rothschild and publicist John Springer. Also included are letters from Robert Aldrich and Joan's former husband, Phillip Terry.
The Archive: Production Documents
Added the complete shooting script (with deleted scenes) for Joan's April 22nd, 1967 appearance on "The Hollywood Palace."
Added the complete production schedule, cast list and cost report for the April 22nd, 1967 episode of "The Hollywood Palace."
The Archive: Houses and Apartments
Added blueprints of Joan's Fountain Avenue apartment in West Hollywood. Joan leased this apartment for use during her visits to Los Angeles after selling her Brentwood house in April 1960. Joan leased the apartment until April 1972.
YouTube
Added footage of Joan and Alfred Steele at a Pepsi-Cola press conference in Dallas, Texas. (April 1st, 1959)
April 8th, 2022
Photo Gallery
1973: Added 16 color photos and 1 black and white photo of Joan at Town Hall in Manhattan, New York. (April 8th, 1973) The color photos come directly from the original negatives, the majority of which have never been seen by the public before now.
YouTube
Added a video compilation of Joan's 1967 American Cancer Society promotions for the organization's "Cancer Crusade."
April 3rd, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 8 photos developed from the original negatives and slides to the galleries, which include:
1966: 2 photos of Joan with Franchot Tone at the premiere of the play "A Time For Singing" at the Broadway Theater in Manhattan. (May 21st, 1966)
1967: 3 photos of Joan at Sheilah Graham's book party for "College of One" at L'EToile in Manhattan, New York. (February 28th, 1967)
1967: 3 color photos of Joan on the set of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (February 1967)
The Archive: Letters
An April 21, 1971 letter to former co-star Melvin Douglas regarding his recent appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony.
Letters to Joan:
Two condolence cards to Joan from former husband Phillip Terry (dated April 20th and April 23rd, 1959) regarding the death of Alfred Steele.
An April 24th, 1959 condolence letter to Joan from director Robert Aldrich regarding the death of Alfred Steele.
A June 27th, 1973 letter to Joan from actress Eileen Heckart
The Archive: Debunking The "Rosemary's Baby" Cameo Rumor
Added two additions to this debunking page:
A small September 6th, 1967 press mention by columnist Earl Wilson regarding Joan's visit to the set of "Rosemary's Baby," and a peculiar post actress Rutanya Alda made on her Facebook page on March 22nd, 2022 which is a photo of Mia Farrow with Alda's face Photoshopped over Farrow's face, with the caption "When I was young."
YouTube
Added video interviews with Joan and Frank Sinatra at the second annual Hollywood Publicists Guild luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. (April 2nd, 1965)
March 23rd, 2022
Today marks the 20th anniversary of "The Concluding Chapter of Crawford" website. I launched this website on March 23rd, 2002 after finding very little information in books and on the internet regarding Joan's life after 1955. I decided to change that by doing my own research to discover who Joan was during these years and to share that information with the world. I began this journey when I was not even of legal age to drive, and I have devoted a large portion of my adult life to this research project, which has come to encompass all years and areas of Joan's life.
Twenty years ago, I never imagined this website and research journey would lead me to traveling across America laterally from New York to Los Angeles, and horizontally from Chicago to New Orleans, and everywhere in between. I have had the great opportunity to interview nearly 100 people who knew Joan firsthand, and worked with her in film, television and Pepsi-Cola. I have visited countless research facilities, and was privileged to visit all of Joan's former homes. Throughout all of this, I have repeatedly found that Joan's life was much more fascinating and significant than any of the mistruths surrounding her legacy. I believe so strongly in Joan's legacy and who she was as a person that I have never asked, nor accepted, any form of donation for my research efforts. I do all the work, I incur all the expense, and share it with the world for free. That is not a testament to me, that is a testament to the strength of Joan Crawford's legacy to anyone who will take the time to discover it.
Thank you to those who have supported and encouraged my research efforts, and those who continue to honor Joan Crawford's legacy to the world.
YouTube
In honor of Joan's birthday, a special Pepsi-Cola tribute video has been added to the YouTube channel.
Fan Flowers
A special thank you to "The Joan Crawford Exchange" Facebook group member Kevin de l'Aigle for personally delivering birthday flowers to Joan's mausoleum at Ferncliff cemetery for the second year in a row. We greatly thank him for his time and generosity.
Missed Opportunities
Added the following titles to the list of missed project opportunities:
"Night Shift" (1943)
"A Portrait In Black" (1946)
"Arch of Triumph" (1946)
"Hill of The Hawk" (1948)
"A Musical Comedy" (1948)
"A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951)
"Woman's Prison" (1955)
"Mame" (1967) (Stage)
March 13th, 2022
The Archive
Added a new debunking page examining Joan's rumored cameo for the 1968 film "Rosemary's Baby."
February 27th, 2022
Photo Gallery
Added 107 photos to the galleries, which include:
1964: 2 photos of Joan in Toronto Canada. (January 1964)
1965: 1 photo of Joan re-christening Times Square in Manhattan, New York to "Damon Runyon Square." (February 1965)
1968: 103 photos of Joan from "Berserk." These included never-before-seen color publicity photos and film stills. These addition make a total of 121 publicity photos, film stills and behind-the-scene photos from "Berserk" on this website, which is far more than ever offer from any other Crawford resource.
1971: 1 photo of Joan arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, and being greeted by Dore Freeman and her daughter, Christina. (February 1971)
Acting Career: Missed Opportunities
Added the following titles to the list of missed project opportunities:
The 31st annual Academy Awards ceremony (1959)
"Dear Mr. Gable (Clark Gable documentary) (1968)
"The Killing of Sister George" (1968)
"What Happened To Christmas?" (1969)
(*A special thanks to Crawford researcher Billie Cassin for providing the research materials and details regarding these missed opportunities)
If you are a Joan Crawford collector, or simply interested in Joan Crawford collectables, you may be interested in joining a special group hosted by this website on Facebook titled "The Joan Crawford Club: Hollywood Memorabilia Collectors."
December 19th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 50 photos to the 1971 galley:
7 photos of Joan at the Blackglama "Night of The Legends" gala held at the Four Seasons restaurant in Manhattan, New York. (January 25th, 1971)
1 color photo of Joan with Cesar Romero at the 28th annual Golden Globe awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California. (February 5th, 1971)
36 photos of Joan at Theatre 80 St. Marks Place in Manhattan, New York. (September 7th, 1971)
5 photos of Joan at a press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. (October 14th, 1971)
1 color photo of Joan signing an autograph for a fan outside of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. (November 16th, 1971)
These latest additions to the gallery brings the total number of photos in the 1971 gallery to over 200 - More than double the amount of 1971 photos ever offered by any other Joan Crawford resource.
The Archive: Letters
Added three letters to Joan from her long-term friend William Haines. (December 26th, 1968, October 28th, 1971, December 25th, 1972)
Regarding Joan's autobiography, "My Way of Life," Haines tells her, "...alas it has turned out the pupil has beaten the shit out of the teacher. So be it!"
The Archive: Medical Documents
Added 10 pages of documents pertaining to the injury Joan sustained due to a fall in her apartment on December 10th, 1974.
Acting Career: Missed Opportunities
Added the following titles to the list of missed project opportunities:
1972: "Never The Sunrise"
1973: Untitled Joan Crawford and Gloria Swanson Project
1974: "An Evening With Joan Crawford"
1975: Untitled Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Gene Kelly and Lana Turner Project
This is the last website update for the year 2021. Throughout this past year, this website has offered fans many new, and previously unknown, Crawford facts and information; in addition to previously unpublished photos, videos and documents. Many more new and exciting updates are planned for 2022.
Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Concluding Chapter of Crawford!
December 12th, 2021
The Archive: Contracts
Added Joan's 54-page December 11th, 1950 employment contract with Warner Bros. Pictures Inc. along with the adjoining 15-page employment agreement with Warner Bros. (69 pages total) This is the largest Joan Crawford contract ever made available online.
Added Joan's December 26th, 1951 Release from Warner Bros. Pictures Inc.
Acting Career: Missed Opportunities
Added the following six titles to the Missed Opportunities listing:
(Note: I have the details, documents and information regarding all of the project titles listed in the "Missed Opportunity" section, it is just the matter of creating individual pages for each listed title)
"Reckless" (1935)
"The Helen Morgan Story" (1951)
"The U.S.O. Story" (1951)
"Size 12" (1951)
"Helen Blaze" (1951)
"Kind Sir" (stage) (1953)
November 28th, 2021
The Archive: Letters
Added three letters (October 21st, 1966; November 1st, 1966 and December 5th, 1966) between Joan and Columbia Pictures executive Leo Jaffe that were written during Joan's visit to England to film "Berserk."
YouTube:
Added the full, and unedited, interview of Joan for the British television show "A File Profile." Filmed in England in December 1966.
November 21st, 2021
The Archive: Biographies
Added 28 pages of documents pertaining to the publication of Alexander Walker's 1983 biography "Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Star." The documentation includes the contract between Walker, his literary editor and MGM; correspondence with photographer John Engstead; various correspondence between Walker and his literary agent; correspondence regarding book orders and research communications.
November 14th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 33 photos to the galleries, which include:
1962: Added 2 color photos of Joan at a book signing for "A Portrait of Joan" at J.L. Hudson's department store in Detroit, Michigan. (October 26th, 1962)
1969: Added 12 screenshots of Joan narrating the documentary "Garbo." (Premiered November 18th, 1969)
1971: Added 15 photos of Joan exiting the Ritz Carlton hotel, and 4 photos of Joan at a book signing on the same day for "My Way of Life" at Jordan Marsh department store in Boston, Massachusetts. (November 16th, 1971)
The Archive: Letters
Added 2 letters (November 14th, 1969 and Christmas 1974) from Joan to writer/friend, and future Crawford biographer, Alexander Walker.
Added a 1974 Christmas card to Joan from Clark Gable's widow, Kathleen Gable, along with photos Kathleen sent to Joan of Gable's son, John Clark Gable.
November 8th, 2021
Photo Gallery
1969: Added 2 screenshots of Joan on "The Merv Griffin Show." (Premiered October 2nd, 1969)
1969: Added 5 photos of Joan in and on the set of "Night Gallery." (Premiered November 8th, 1969)
1970: Added 3 photos of Joan at the Food Editors Convention in San Francisco, California. (September 22nd, 1970)
The Archive: Contracts
Added Joan's employment contract for "Night Gallery." (Dated January 31st, 1969)
The Archive: Debunking
Added a special fact page devoted to simple biographical facts about Joan which are often incorrectly cited in biographies, articles and online sources.
October 31st, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 57 photos to the 1962 and 1963 galleries, which include:
12 color photos of Joan on the set of "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" (July - August 1962)
2 photos of Joan in Detroit, Michigan. (October 25th-26th, 1962)
3 photos of Joan being interviewed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (November 1st, 1962)
2 publicity photos of Joan in "Royal Bay" (aka "Della") (Filmed in October 1963)
36 screenshots of Joan in the television feature "Royal Bay" (aka "Della") (Filmed in October 1963)
The Archive: Pepsi-Cola
Added Pepsi-Cola's official 1962 press bio of Joan. This biography was distributed by Pepsi-Cola to news agencies.
YouTube
Added an interview with Joan during her visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (November 1st, 1962)
October 24th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 30 photos to the galleries, which include:
1963: Added 11 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of the new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in New Orleans, Louisiana. (October 24th - 25th, 1963)
1966: Added 15 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of the new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Birmingham, Alabama. (October 26th - 29th, 1966)
1971: Added 3 photos of Joan arriving, and attending a dinner in her honor, in Birmingham, Alabama. (October 21st - 22nd, 1971)
1972: Added 1 photo of Joan with the families of the plant's employees at the dedication ceremony of the new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Sacramento, California. (May 13th, 1972)
October 10th, 2021
Photo Gallery: 1965
Added 60 photos of Joan at the dedication ceremony of the "Joan Crawford Studio of Dance" at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts. (October 12th, 1965) (Special thanks to T. Clark for these photos)
The Archive: Scripts
Added the complete 1963 shooting script of "Royal Bay" episode "Once Before Dark," later retitled "Della."
The Archive: Production Documents
Added 11 pages of production documents, including the shooting schedule, for "Royal Bay." (October 11th - 30th, 1963)
Added a bonus item, 38 pages of production documents, daily reports and shooting schedules for the 1973 Bette Davis film "Scream Pretty Peggy." (October 8th - 19th, 1973)
The Archive: Letters
Added an October 3rd, 1967 letter from Joan to John W. Wilson.
Added a November 11th, 1971 letter to Joan from F.B.I. director J. Edgar Hoover.
Added a February 2nd, 1975 letter to Joan from Hollywood costumer Michael Woulfe.
Added a February 11th, 1975 letter from Joan to costumer Michael Woulfe, along with the original mailing envelope. (This is Joan's reply to Woulfe's February 2nd letter above.)
October 3rd, 2021
The Archive: Publications
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Joan's autobiography, "My Way of Life," in October 1971, I have uploaded the complete manuscript. This is the original manuscript submitted to Simon & Schuster by Joan. Included is the original January 14th, 1972 letter to Joan from Simon & Schuster upon their return of the manuscript, and four pages of the approved captions for the book's photos.
The Archive: Debunking
Due to the fake quote credited to actress Bette Davis in regard to Joan's death, and made popular in the 2017 series "Feud: Bette & Joan," I have created a debunking page to finally clarify the origins of the fake quote, which was never stated by Bette Davis.
Photo Gallery: 1963
Added 46 photos and screenshots of Joan's guest performance on the television show "Route 66," episode "Same Picture, Different Frame." (Aired October 4th, 1963)
YouTube
Added Joan's appearance on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson." (Aired October 1st, 1962)
September 30th, 2021
The Archive
Added an all-new section devoted to Joan's long-term assistant, secretary and friend, Betty Barker. This is a section that I have wanted to add to the website for a very long time, and it seems appropriate to launch this section on the date of Betty's 105th birthday. The bulk of the content within this section has never been made public, and is the result of this Webmaster's own independent research. The content includes: 70 photos of Betty and of her family; over 30 letters between Betty and Joan, and several letters between Joan and Betty's mother; letters between Betty and Hedda Hopper and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; 14 of Betty's columns for "The Joan Crawford Club News" periodical; and exclusive excerpts from Betty's unpublished September 1978 interview on Joan.
A special thanks is due to Betty Barker's close friend, Sean, who supplied many photos, letters, stories and details about Betty's life.
September 26th, 2021
Photo Gallery: 1962
Added 24 photos to the 1962 Gallery, which includes:
9 unretouched color publicity photos of Joan for "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" (September 1962)
4 photos of Joan attending a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant dedication ceremony in Ogdensburg, New York. (September 12th, 1962)
11 photos of Joan attending a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant dedication ceremony in Robinson, Illinois (September 13th - 14th, 1962)
September 7th, 2021
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Joan placing her signature and hands in cement in front of Theatre 80 St. Marks in Manhattan, New York, the following additions have been added to the website:
Photo Gallery: 1971
Added 1 photo of Joan with producer Arthur Whitelaw and Theatre 80 owner Howard Otway to the 1971 gallery. This photo is scanned from the original photo by photographer Jos Abeles. (September 7th, 1971)
The Archive: Letters
Added 1 letter to Joan from Theatre 80 owner Howard Otway thanking her for gifting the Theatre 80 with the portrait prop of her used in the film "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" (undated 1971)
YouTube
Added a tribute video of Joan's appearance at Theatre 80 on September 7th, 1971
September 5th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 38 photos to the galleries, which include:
1961: Added 2 photos of Joan riding in the 41st annual Miss America Pageant parade. (September 5th, 1961)
1970: Added 36 screenshots of Joan on the television show "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour."
The Archive
Added 1 letter from Joan to Republican Arizona senator Barry Goldwater. (October 3rd, 1967)
Added 1 letter from Joan to writer Doug Arango regarding her recent filming of "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour." (September 7th, 1970)
Added 3 letters from Joan to Pearl Bailey. These include:
September 28th, 1971 letter regarding Bailey's autobiography "Talking To Myself."
March 4th, 1974 letter regarding Bailey's television commercial for Paramount Chicken.
April 10th, 1974 letter thanking Bailey for her birthday greeting.
YouTube
Added raw footage of Joan's television appearance on Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. (September 3rd, 1967)
August 29th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 24 photos to the Galleries, which include:
1966 Gallery: Added 1 photo of Joan during her interview for "Cinema." (April 18th, 1966)
1967 Gallery
16 stills and set photos of Joan on "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." (1967
6 photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola press conference in Columbia, South Carolina (June 9th, 1967)
2 photos of Joan modeling at in her suite at the Ambassador Hotel in Chicago, Illinois (November 17th, 1967)
The Archive
Added four letters (with the mailing envelopes for three) from Joan to actress Ruth Gordon and her husband, Garson Kanin:
Television
Added a small British newspaper advertisement for the premiere of Joan's interview for "Cinema" on ITV. (May 6th, 1966)
YouTube
Added audio footage of Joan on stage at The Palace with Judy Garland, Manhattan, New York (August 23rd, 1967)
Bonus: Added the audio recordings conducted by Judy Garland for her unpublished autobiography (1964 - 1967)
August 22nd, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 76 photos to the Galleries, which include:
1967 Gallery
2 behind the scenes photos of Joan backstage at “The Hollywood Palace” (February 1967)
3 behind the scenes photos of Joan backstage at “Girl Talk” (April 1967)
1 photo of Joan on “The Irv Kupcinet Show” with Molly Picon (November 17th, 1967)
1 photo of Joan with Pepsi-Cola executive Al Lee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (December 22nd, 1967)
1 color photo from an unidentified television appearance (1967)
4 publicity photos for the American Cancer Society’s 1967 Cancer Crusade (April 1967)
2 candid photos of Joan by photographer Irv Steinberg at an event in Manhattan, New York (1967)
6 black and white photos of Joan attending the celebration festivities of a new Pepsi-Cola plant in Burlington, NC (May 5th – 6th, 1967)
2 photos of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Forth Smith, Arkansas (May 25th, 1967)
1 photo of Joan attending the dedication ceremony of a new Frito-Lay plant in Irving, Texas (June 8th, 1967)
1 photo of Joan attending the EMBA Fur Awards ceremony in Manhattan, New York (June 14th, 1967)
1 photo of Joan with the family of Petersburg, Virginia Pepsi-Cola executive Michael Sisisky (July 26th, 1967)
4 photos of Joan visiting Fort Lee Army Base in Petersburg, Virginia (July 28th, 1967) (Special thanks to “Billie Cassin” for 3 of these photos)
1 photo of Joan at Kennedy International Airport with several “Miss America” pageant contestants. (August 16th, 1967)
2 photos of Joan with daughter Christina at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Connecticut (August 1967)
4 photos of Joan attending the “Farewell Queen Mary” gala aboard the Queen Mary (September 21st, 1967)
7 photos of Joan attending a Pepsi-Cola convention in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona (October 1967)
27 photos of Joan in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (November – December 1967)
3 color candid photos of Joan in Manhattan, New York (1967)
1968 Gallery: 4 photos of Joan at her enrollment luncheon for the Sales Executives Club in Manhattan, New York (February 14th, 1968)
1969 Gallery: 1 photo of Joan presenting an award in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 3rd, 1969)
The Archive
Added high definition scans of Joan’s May - June 1961 European itinerary.
Added the invitation to Joan’s 1968 Sales Executive Club of New York enrollment luncheon. Joan is the first female member of the club. (February 14th, 1968)
Television | Talk Show Appearances
Added Joan’s appearance on “Jerry Place” (1969).
Career | Missed Opportunities
Added the following confirmed titles to the list of missed opportunities:
“Single Standard” (1929)
“Hollywood Party” (1934)
“Stamboul Quest” (1934)
“Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole” (1972)
Chronicle
1961: Added the filming date for Joan’s appearance on “The Dupont Show of The Week” (August 14th, 1961)
1969: Added Joan’s activities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 3rd - March 6th, 1969)
YouTube
Added the complete audio book for “Rain” by W. Somerset Maugham. This book was the basis for Joan’s 1932 film of the same title.
Rumble
Added a link to the main page for the website’s account on the platform Rumble, which is an alternate to the website's YouTube channel.
Currently, the following videos are available by The Concluding Chapter of Crawford on Rumble:
Joan reading her autobiography “My Way of Life”
An excerpt of Joan’s appearance on “The David Frost Show”
“The Will” 2010 Documentary
August 1st, 2021
The ArchiveAdded Joan's amended contract agreement with The Associates & Aldrich Company Inc. regarding her December 19th, 1963 contract for the film "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." (March 6th, 1964)
Added six pages of production call sheets for "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." (September 11th - September 18th, 1964)
Acting Career
Revitalized the Television Talk Show & Interview Appearances section to include (when available) screenshots and photos of Joan's appearances. Included is a photo of Joan's January 1970 appearance on "The Merv Griffin Show." This is the first modern-day glimpse of Joan's appearance on this episode. (Special thanks to Sean for the photo). Additionally, screenshots have been added of Joan's June 1963 appearance on Germany's "Die Schaubuden Story," and a photo of Joan's March 1968 appearance on "Girl Talk"
Added details and a newspaper ad for Joan's appearance on the television talk show "Betty Hughes & Friends". (November 13th, 1970)
For Sale
Added a special page highlighting a Crawford-owned art piece that is currently for sale by a private collector.
July 18th, 2021
Acting Career
Provided the Television section with additional sub-menus at the top of each page to give users quicker and easier access to a specific television appearance.
Added screenshots and additional elaborative details to all of Joan's appearances on the Televised Award Show Appearances page.
Added additional elaborative details to Joan's appearances on "The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon." This includes correcting details of Joan's recording of "In Dreams He Runs" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thanks to the information supplied by Crawford footage researcher "Billie Cassin," I have corrected the origin of this audio recording to actually being Joan's pre-recorded appearance on the 1970 "The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon." It was previously thought this recording was an actual stand-alone MDA television commercial.
Added additional details to Joan's 1973 appearance on "The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon," which includes the date she pre-recorded her appearance, and a print ad of Joan's appearance on the telethon. It is unclear if Joan's appearance during this telethon was a video or audio appearance; however, as the information currently stands, this participation in the 1973 telethon would be the final appearance Joan would have recorded for use on national television.
Added "The Jim Burns Show" to the list of Joan's televised talk show and interview appearances. Unfortunately, no copy of this program is known to exist due to the show being broadcast live.
The Archive
Added a two-page letter from Joan to an acquaintance citing her recording that day for "The Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon," dated July 23rd, 1973.
Added a one-page handwritten letter to Joan from actress Barbara Stanwyck, dated December 23rd, 1971.
The Video Gallery
Added a newly-restored and much cleaner version of Joan's 1973 Pan Am commercial. Special thanks to Crawford footage researcher "Billie Cassin."
Photo Gallery
1959 Gallery: Added 1 still of Joan with Hope Lange in "The Best of Everything."
1962 Gallery: Added 6 screenshots of Joan's appearance at the 34th annual Academy Awards ceremony. (April 9th, 1962)
1963 Gallery: Added 12 screenshots of Joan's appearance at the 35th annual Academy Awards ceremony. (April 8th, 1963)
1965 Gallery: Added 6 screenshots of Joan's appearance at the 37th annual Academy Awards ceremony. (April 5th, 1965)
1965 Gallery: Added 6 screenshots of Joan's appearance at the 17th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. (September 12th, 1965)
1966 Gallery: Added 1 photo of Joan's appearance at the first annual "Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon." (September 4th, 1966
1968 Gallery: Added 1 photo of Joan at the dedication ceremony of the "Clinton's Ditch" Pepsi-Cola plant in Cicero, New York. (July 9th, 1968)
1969 Gallery: Added 4 screenshots of Joan's appearance at the 41st annual Academy Awards ceremony. (April 14th, 1969)
July 11th, 2021
The Archive
Added the entire shooting script of the Joan's appearance on "The Sixth Sense," in the episode "Dear Joan, We're Going To Scare You To Death!" (1972)
Added a four-page promotional program of Joan's appearance on "The Sixth Sense." (1972)
Added three letters to Joan from members of the cast and crew of "The Sixth Sense." These letters include:
1 two-page letter from actor Scott Hylands, dated July 28th, 1972.
1 three-page letter from actress Lenore Kasdorf, dated July 26th, 1972.
1 one-page undated letter draft to Joan from a Universal lot employee named Mary.
Television
Added an advertisement of Joan's appearance of Joan's appearance on "The Sixth Sense." (1972)
July 4th, 2021
Photo Gallery: Added 173 photos of Joan to the 1959 gallery, which include:
17 publicity photos for "The Best of Everything."
28 film stills from "The Best of Everything."
8 film stills of Joan's deleted scene from "The Best of Everything."
17 wardrobe and hair test photos for "The Best of Everything."
28 photos from the set of "The Best of Everything." (June 1959)
21 photos on the set of "The Best of Everything" by photographer Eve Arnold for "Life" magazine. (Includes many unseen/unpublished photos taken from the original negatives.) (June 1959)
54 photos taken by Eve Arnold for "Life" magazine. (June 1959)
2 candid photos by photographer Eve Arnold in Joan's Brentwood house. (June 1959)
1 candid photo of Joan laying on the diving board of the pool in the backyard of her Brentwood house. (June 1959)
June 27th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 83 photos of Joan, along with daughters Cathy and Cindy, by photographer Eve Arnold to the 1959 gallery. These photos are never-before-seen outtakes from the Arnold photo shoot for "Life" magazine. Photographed in June of 1959.
The Archive
Added seven letters of correspondence between Joan and Helen Keller and The American Foundation For The Blind. These letters range from 1951 to 1971.
YouTube
Many people have inquired about the missing content on the website's YouTube channel. Please know this is only temporary. The YouTube channel's content will return the first week of August 2021. In the meantime, please visit the website's Video Gallery to watch your favorite videos from the YouTube channel.
June 20th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 35 photos to the 1959 gallery, which include:
23 stills and promotional photos for Joan's appearance on "Zane Grey Theater," episode "Rebel Range." (December 3rd, 1959)
12 unpublished (and unseen) outtakes from Eve Arnold's photoshoot of Joan for "Life" magazine. (June 1959)
June 13th, 2021
Photo Gallery
Added 4 photos of Joan at the premiere of Federico Fellini's film "8 1/2" (June 13th, 1963)
Video Gallery
Added Joan's December 3rd, 1959 appearance on "Zane Grey Theater," in episode "Rebel Range."
June 6th, 2021
The Archive
Added 11 pages of documentation pertaining to the settlement agreement, and the U.K. attorney fees, between Joan's estate and biographer Charles Castle.
In 1977, Castle published the book "Joan Crawford: The Raging Star" with the expressed claim on the book's cover, and within its pages, that it was authorized by Joan. The book was not authorized by Joan, and the letter published within the book to Castle from Joan was determined to have been altered by Castle. In addition, Castle refused to cite his source(s) of some of the book's most egregious and unflattering content regarding Joan.
The Chronicle
Added the date (September 3rd, 1977) and some medical and accident details regarding the accident Christopher Crawford claimed to have sustained while working as a lineman for the Village Electric Co. of Long Island, New York. (Scroll to the September 3rd entry on the 1977 chronicle page)
Video Gallery
Added the following videos to the video gallery (all of which have been uploaded in the highest possible quality currently available):
Joan's appearance at the 1964 Primetime Emmy Awards (September 12th, 1965)
Joan arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (April 28th, 1968)
Joan's appearance at the 1968 Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon (September 1st, 1968)
Joan's appearance on the 1969 Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon (August 31st, 1969)
Joan's telephone answering machine messages to Carl Johnes (Circa 1974-1976)
May 23rd, 2021
Added a new Video Gallery section, which is prominently featured on the website's menu. This section is comprised primarily of the content found on the website's YouTube channel. The YouTube channel's content is unavailable at the moment, but it WILL be returning in the next couple of months. However, in the meantime, fans will have the ability to continue viewing their favorite Crawford material here on the website.
There are currently 105 titles in the video gallery, with more content planned to be added in the coming weeks.
May 10th, 2021
The Archive:
Added 4 1976 letters from Joan. These include:
1 undated letter to George Cukor
1 undated letter to Dorothy Manners
1 letter to Virginia Grey (dated September 24th, 1976)
1 letter to friends Mr and Mrs. Charles Russhon (dated November 29th, 1976)
Added 7 1977 letters from Joan. These include:
1 undated letter to Vincent Sherman
1 letter to fan Stanley Anast (dated January 17th, 1977)
1 letter to reporter Candy Jones (dated January 31st, 1977)
1 letter to Virginia Grey (dated March 31st, 1977)
1 letter to actress/friend Jill Melody (dated April 6th, 1977)
1 letter to fan Joe Fawls (dated April 18th, 1977)
1 letter to publicist/friend Harry Mines (April 20th, 1977)
Added 4 letters regarding Joan's death. They include:
1 sympathy acknowledgement letter from Cathy Crawford LaLonde to George Cukor (dated July 12th, 1977)
1 sympathy acknowledgement card from Cindy Crawford Jordan to Nolan Miller and Ursula Grimm (undated)
1 sympathy acknowledgement letter from Christina Crawford to fan Elenore Hart (dated May 25th, 1977)
1 sympathy acknowledgement letter from Betty Barker to George Cukor (dated June 30th, 1977)
Added the fronts of 2 sympathy acknowledgement cards.
May 2nd, 2021
Youtube: Added Joan's appearance on "Caesar's Hour" with Ingrid Bergman. Originally premiered on March 2nd, 1957.
March 28th, 2021
1968 Gallery: Added 48 photos of Joan at her Brandeis University fellowship induction dinner, held at the Americana Hotel in Manhattan, New York. (March 28th, 1968) 43 of these photos are courtesy of T. Clark.
The Archive: Added an entire document section pertaining to Joan's March 28th, 1968 Brandeis fellowship induction dinner. The documents include:
The dinner invitation, a draft of the invitation, draft letters pertaining to the dinner, a pamphlet regarding Joan's induction, the event program and an article from the Brandeis University newsletter regarding Joan's fellowship induction.
Letters To Joan: Added the following 12 letters to Joan regarding her Brandeis fellowship induction:
Thomas Elmezzi (Dated March 29th, 1968)
Robert Ferguson (Dated March 29th, 1968)
Carl Foreman (Dated March 21st, 1968)
Lyndon B. Johnson (Dated March 27th, 1968)
Stan Kamen (Joan's William Morris agent) (Dated March 28th, 1968
Robert & Florence Kriendler (Owners of the 21 Club) (Dated March 29th, 1968)
Louis J. Lefkowitz (with a carbo of Joan's response) (Dated March 28th, 1968)
George Leisure (with a carbon of Joan's response) (Dated March 29th, 1968)
Mary Pickford (Two letters: Dated March 25th, 1968 and May 16, 1968)
Abram Leon Sachar (President of Brandeis) (Dated April 5th, 1968)
Jack Velanti (Dated March 27th, 1968)
Fans: Added a special page devoted to a birthday flower left at Joan's mausoleum on behalf of fans in "The Joan Crawford Exchange" group. The flower tribute was organized and hand delivered by Kevin de l'Aigle on March 23rd. A special thank you to Kevin for his wonderful tribute and photos!
March 23rd, 2021
YouTube: Added a video compilation of Joan's family, friends and co-workers defending and honoring her memory. The video is over one hour long, and contains 38 testimonials.
March 21st, 2021
The Archive: Added 51 wardrobe sketch designs. These include film wardrobe and personal wardrobe.
Letters To Joan: Added four birthday greetings to Joan from:
Noel Coward (Telegram dated March 22nd, 1973)
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (Telegram dated March 23rd, 1975)
Charles Grant (Joan's houseman) (Undated greeting card)
Van Johnson (Telegram dated March 24th, 1972)
March 14th, 2021
1969 Gallery: Added 2 photos of Joan at the Golden Ball dinner, held at the Greenbrier Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. (March 1st, 1969)
1970 Gallery: Added 5 photos of Joan at a luncheon honoring Helen Hayes (March 2nd, 1970); and 1 publicity photo by Jack O’Grady. (March 1970)
Scripts: Added the entire first draft of the script for “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” Dated March 23rd 1964. This script is very rare and has never been displayed publicly. Many scenes in this first draft differ greatly from the finished 1964 film, particularly the scenes involving “Miriam Deering,” the character Joan was originally cast to portray.
The Archive: Added the invitation to the Manhattan, New York Player’s Club dinner honoring Joan on January 21st, 1973
Letters: Added five letters to Joan which have never been shown publicly. These include:
Three letters to Joan from her secretary, Betty Barker. (June 13th, 1974, September 30th, 1976 and January 3rd, 1977)
One “thank you” letter to Joan from her secretary, Florence Walsh. (July 9th, 1973)
One joke letter to Joan’s dog “Princess Lotus Blossom,” from friend Carl Johnes’ dog, “Augusta.” (December 16th, 1975)
This website hosts the largest online collection of letters to, and regarding, Joan; with over 95 letters in the Letters To Joan section. Many more, rare and unseen, letters to Joan will be added to the website in the coming weeks and months.
March 7th, 2021
Photo Galleries: Added 157 photos to the galleries.
Added 112 photos to the 1961 gallery (Making this gallery, by far, the most photos of Joan Crawford from 1961 ever assembled online.) These new photos include:
Television:
3 photos of Joan on the television game show “I’ve Got A Secret.” Premiered (October 23rd, 1961)
5 screenshots of Joan on the television game show “I’ve Got A Secret.” (Premiered October 23rd, 1961)
10 photos of Joan on the set of the television show “The Dupont Show of The Week.” (Premiered October 29th, 1961)
Publicity:
4 publicity photos by photographer John Engstead (1961)
3 publicity photos of Joan by photographer D. Wynn for “Vogue” magazine (Spring 1961)
9 photos of Joan in Italy by press photographer Angelo Cozzi (June 1961)
4 publicity photos (1961)
Various Events
2 color photos of Joan at her 55th birthday party, held at Frances Spingold’s home in Palm Beach, Florida (March 23rd, 1961)
3 photos of Joan in Geneva, Switzerland (June 1961) (Thanks to Jaffrey Reichner, whose parents are featured in the photos)
3 photos of Joan at the Beau-Rivage Hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland (June 1961)
5 photos of Joan in Busto Arsizio, Italy (June 1961)
11 photos of Joan promoting Pepsi-Cola at the Bowling Roma bowling alley in Rome, Italy (June 1961)
23 photos of Joan at a press conference in Italy, along with 5 additional photos of other Pepsi-Cola executives, including Donald Kendall, at the conference (June 1961)
1 photo of Joan in Milan, Italy (June 1961)
3 photos of Joan on the balcony at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Italy (June 1961)
3 photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola dinner celebration for a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Milan, Italy (June 1961)
5 photos of Joan at the Giro d’Italia Cycling Race in Milan, Italy (June 10th, 1961)
2 photos of Joan at a Pepsi-Cola press conference in Milan, Italy (June 11th, 1961)
3 photos of Joan in Argentina, South America (November 1961)
5 color candid photos of Joan (1961) (Thanks to Fred for four of the photos)
Added 45 photos to the 1962 gallery, which include:
Publicity:
5 photos of Joan in her 2 East 70th Street apartment in Manhattan, New York (June 1962)
Various Events:
4 photos of Joan at the Surrogate Court in Manhattan, New York (January 29th, 1962)
3 color photos of Joan arriving in Wilmington, Delaware for the annual Pepsi-Cola stockholder's meeting (May 2nd, 1962)
1 photo of Joan arriving at the Fiumicino, Italy airport (May 23rd, 1962)
3 photos of Joan arriving at the Hotel Excelsior in Rome, Italy (May 23rd, 1962)
4 color photos of Joan promoting Pepsi-Cola outside of the Rome Colosseum, along with 4 photos of Pepsi-Cola trucks aligned outside of the Colosseum (June 1st, 1962)
3 photos of Joan arriving in Madrid, Spain (June 1st, 1962)
5 photos of Joan in Madrid, Spain (June 1962)
13 photos of Joan at a bullfight at the El Soto Farm near Barcelona, Spain (June 4th, 1962)
February 25th, 2021
YouTube: Added a short interview of Joan in Miami, Florida on February 25th, 1966
February 14th, 2021
Photo Galleries:
Added 30 photos to the 1955 gallery, which include:
2 wardrobe test photos from "Female On The Beach."
2 Hair and makeup test photos from "Female On The Beach."
1 color photo of Joan on the set of "Female On The Beach."
3 photos of Joan and Alfred Steele at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on the day of their wedding. (May 10th, 1955)
15 photos of Joan promoting "Queen Bee" and visiting the South Side Day Nursery in St. Louis, Missouri. (November 1955)
7 photos of Joan and family on Christmas vacation in St. Moritz, Switzerland. (December 1955)
Added 4 color photos of Joan filming a promotional film for the National Association of Food Chains in Ridgewood, New Jersey to the 1969 gallery. (May 1969)
The Archive:
Added a letter to Pepsi-Cola bottlers regarding the promotional film Joan made for the National Association of Food Chains. (Dated January 8th, 1970)
January 31st, 2021
Photo Galleries: Added 40 photos to the 1956 gallery, which include:
30 publicity stills, film stills and set stills of Joan in "Autumn Leaves."
1 photo of Joan at the Santa Monica, California Superior Court building. (July 12th 1956)
5 photos of Joan greeting her daughters, Cathy and Cindy, upon their arrival, via ship, at Paddington Station in London, England. (August 2nd, 1956)
4 photos of Joan hosting a birthday celebration for Rossano Brazzi during filming of "The Story of Esther Costello in London, England. (September 18th, 1956)
The Archive:
Added Joan's complete 35-page employment contract for "Autumn Leaves" to the Contracts page.
Added a 7-page gross billings report for "Autumn Leaves"
*Both of the above documents were Joan's own personal copies.
January 3rd, 2021
Photo Galleries: Added 17 photos to the 1959 gallery, which include:
5 publicity photos for Joan's appearance on "General Electric Theater," episode "And One Was Loyal." (Premiered January 4th, 1959)
12 candid photos of Joan and Alfred Steele attending a publicity photo shoot with photographer Richard Avedon in Jamaica. (February 1959)
December 27th, 2020
Photo Galleries:
Added 18 screenshots of Joan's appearance on "The Bob Hope Show." (premiered October 15th, 1958)
Added 4 photos of Joan dressing up as Santa Claus for a Variety Clubs charity luncheon in London, England. (December 13th, 1966)
Exciting news about the Photo Galleries; the galleries are expanding to now include the years 1955 - 1959. Many new and rare photos will soon be coming to these gallery pages.
YouTube: Added Joan's 1958 appearance on "The Bob Hope Show."
December 25th, 2020
YouTube: Added a tribute video dedicated to Joan's tremendous charity efforts.
December 6th, 2020
Films: Added 53 photos of the interior of 172 S. McCadden Place in Los Angeles, California; the filming location for exterior scenes of "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"
YouTube: Added footage of Joan in Jackson, Mississippi on April 25th, 1968.
November 23rd, 2020
Photo Galleries: Added 45 photos to the 1965 gallery, which include:
4 photos of Joan at a press conference and dinner in Charlotte, North Carolina. (April 9th, 1965)
41 color and black and white photos of Joan at the annual Pepsi-Cola stockholders' meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. (June 6th, 1965)
YouTube: Added footage of Joan at the dedication ceremony of a new Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in San Diego, California. (April 25th & 26th, 1963)
November 8th, 2020
Photo Galleries: Added 22 photos to the 1963 gallery, which include:
12 photos of Joan on "The Merv Griffin Show." (March 7th, 1963)
2 color candid photos of Joan departing the studio after filming "The Merv Griffin Show." (March 7th, 1963)
8 candid photos of Joan at the Berlin Film Festival in Berlin, Germany. (June 30th, 1963)
The Archive: Added a February 1973 use of likeness agreement, and accompanying documents, with Eve of Roma cosmetics. This may possibly be the last use of likeness agreement Joan signed with a company.
November 1st, 2020
Photo Galleries: Added 47 photos to the photo galleries, which include:
1967: Added 5 photos of Joan upon her arrival in Irving, Texas for the dedication ceremony of a new Frito-Lay plant. (June 7th, 1967)
1970: Added 24 high definition screen shots of Joan on "The David Frost Show" (Aired January 16th, 1970)
1970: Added 6 photos of Joan at the Starr Commonwealth Founder's Day celebration. (October 3rd - 4th, 1970)
1970: Added 12 photos of Joan during an interview in Dallas, Texas. (December 4th, 1970)
The Archive: Added two seven-page contracts between Joan and the William Morris Agency:
1) 1971 Manager contract (Signed April 19th, 1971)
2) 1974 Manager contract (Signed April 19th, 1974)
October 25th, 2020
Launched a NEW look for the website. The website has a fresh new color palate, and some animation scattered throughout the sections.
October 23rd, 2020
YouTube: Uploaded Joan's October 23, 1961 appearance on "I've Got A Secret."
October 19th, 2020
YouTube: Uploaded two videos this week:
1) A high resolution color copy of Joan on "The Hollywood Palace" (April 22nd, 1967).
2) A high resolution copy of Joan on "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour." (October 4th, 1970)
October 7th, 2020
YouTube: Uploaded two videos:
1) A 1971 national commercial by Joan inviting the public to the October 7th, 1971 AFI festival of her films in Washington, D.C.
2) An October 7th, 1971 interview with Joan in Washington, D.C.
October 6th, 2020
The Archive: Added the Last Will & Testament of Bette Davis. Under the terms of Davis' will, she disinherited four family members.
October 4th, 2020
Photo Galleries: Added 77 photos to the Galleries, which include:
1962 Gallery
Added 3 color and 4 black and white publicity photos.
Various Events: Added 13 photos of Joan at a party in her honor at Lucey's Restaurant. (June 22nd, 1962)
Added 6 photos of Joan at the film premiere of "A Long Days Journey Into Night." (October 9th, 1962)
1965 Gallery
Added 5 photos of Joan at the dedication ceremony festivities of the new Frito-Lay Tower in Dallas, Texas. (December 5th - 8th, 1965)
1966 Gallery
Added 4 photos of Joan on "The Merv Griffin Show" (March 3rd, 1966)
Added 6 screenshots of Joan's "Cinema" interview (April 22nd, 1966)
Added 6 screenshots of Joan's appearance on "What's My Line?" (July 3rd, 1966)
Added 5 photos of Joan at the dedication ceremony festivities of a new Pepsi-Cola plant in Miami, Florida. (February 25th - 26th, 1966)
Added 7 photos of Joan being honored by the Foreign Press Association. (September 10th, 1966)
1970 Gallery
Added 2 photos of Joan at a press conference in Dallas, Texas. (December 4th, 1970)
Added 6 screenshots of Joan during an interview in Dallas, Texas. (December 4th, 1970)
1971 Gallery
Added 4 photos of Joan at a press conference in Venture, California. (June 12th, 1971
Added 6 photos of Joan at the Birmingham, Alabama airport. (August 21st, 1971)
YouTube: Added an interview with Joan in Dallas, Texas. (December 4th, 1970)