Research Catalog

Title

With love, Mommie dearest : the making of an unintentional camp classic / A. Ashley Hoff ; [foreword by Bruce Vilanch].

Author

Hoff, A. Ashley

Publication

• Chicago, Illinois : Chicago Review Press, [2024]
• ©2024

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Vilanch, Bruce
• Chicago Review Press, publisher

Description

xvii, 295 pages : illustrations; 23 cm

Summary

"Christina Crawford's book was an immediate bestseller, combining the infrequently discussed topic of child abuse with the draw of Hollywood drama. But when Paramount Pictures released the film version, starring Faye Dunaway as Crawford, it was panned, and it remains one of the most legendary critical bombs in film history. The lavish, big-screen adaptation drew unexpected laughter for its over the top the scenes depicting life in the Crawford household. Rarely have such good intentions been met with such ridicule. Despite this, the movie was a commercial success and remains, four decades later, immensely popular as an unintentional camp classic. Based on new interviews with people connected to the book and the film--from cast and crew members to industry insiders-- With Love, Mommie Dearest details the writing and selling of Christina's book and the aftermath of its publication, as well as the filming of the motion picture, whose backstage drama almost surpassed what was viewed on-screen in the film."--

Subjects

• Crawford, Christina, 1939- > Mommie dearest
• Biographical films > History and criticism
• Mommie dearest (Motion picture)

Genre/Form

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical notes (pages 269-283) and index.

Contents

Foreword by Bruce Vilanch -- Prologue -- "Because I am not one of your fans!" -- "Tina! Bring me the axe!" -- Too many cooks -- Feud -- The director's eye -- We got Annie -- Enter Faye Dunaway -- The illusion of perfection -- This mysterious truth -- A bucket of ice -- The Ice Follies of 1939 -- Carol Ann -- The end of Hollywood's golden age -- "Aces beat kings" -- "We're ready for you, Miss Crawford" -- "I'm mad at the dirt" -- "I can handle the socks" -- An unsuitable candidate -- "Dammit! Perino's is my place!" -- "She can make you disappear" -- The three faces of Christina -- Mara Hobel -- The happiest life a girl could ever dream -- Christopher -- "I will always beat you" -- "Life and death to me" -- "No wire hangers ever!" -- A Christmas visit with the Crawfords -- Uncle Charlie and Uncle Ted -- "I don't ask much from you, girl!" -- Mildred Pierce -- "Barbara, please!" -- "That bitch of a bearing wall" -- "First time at the rodeo" -- The Secret Storm -- A director for hire -- "For reasons which are well known to them" -- Cut. That's a wrap -- Mayhem and music -- The biggest mother of them all -- "Box office poison" -- Mother's day -- Joan Crawford has risen from the dead! -- The last word.

Call Number

MFLP (Mommie dearest) 24-4114

ISBN

• 9781641607681
• 1641607688

LCCN

2023952470

OCLC

1294287681

Author

Hoff, A. Ashley, author.

Title

With love, Mommie dearest : the making of an unintentional camp classic / A. Ashley Hoff ; [foreword by Bruce Vilanch].

Publisher

Chicago, Illinois : Chicago Review Press, [2024]

Copyright Date

©2024

Type of Content

text

still image

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical notes (pages 269-283) and index.

Added Author

Vilanch, Bruce, author of foreword.

Chicago Review Press, publisher.

Research Call Number

MFLP (Mommie dearest) 24-4114