Mommie Dearest [1981] [DVD]

Lets face it for those of you who have ever read anything about Joan Crawford then you will know that she was a very strict mother, she was under a lot of pressure to keep her carreer going and Cristina was a handful, from what I have read and I have read quite a lot about Crawford then I would say 60% of this film is true, though it was filmed and screenplayed for dramatic efect, if you have ever read the book Mommie Dearest it is nowere near as scathing as the film script was written, however if you bear this in mind then the film is very entertaining. The original actress to play the role was Ann Baxter who filmed for about a week before she decided she could not play Crawford in such a bad light and walked off the set. She was replaced with Faye Dunaway who did a great job on the film, though not exactly built like crawford in stature or features she does a good job. I like this film and you have to remember that if Joan was a saint it would not make such good viewing. So many funny lines in this its really worth a watch.

Containing possibly some of the best lines in a motion picture ever, this film is worth watching for the towering, over-the-top and high camp portrayal of a true diva by another true diva! It is pure pantomime from start to finish and is perfect viewing with a group of friends - watch it before they arrive so you know all the best lines and shout them out. Don't watch it with the idea that this is a serious film about the life of Miss Joan Crawford, dive in and enjoy a truly guilty pleasure.

Surely one of the greatest 'camp' classics. Ever. Full of terrific oneliners - 'Tina, brrrrrrrrriing me the axe!' - and acting that can only be described as over-the-top of over-the-top.

Faye Dunaway (although she later blamed the film for her career decline) is outstanding as the mentally unbalanced, semi-alcoholic, 'clean freek' Crawford but recieves great support from a cast of cameo's.

Although perhaps a tad-too long and, of course, the story can hardly be called fact (even as a scripted bio its probably myth) but as cinema, it makes for one helluva movie! So, get the popcorn and a note-pad & pen (to write down the oneliners, for use in everyday life.....'no more wire coat hangers, EVER!!') and enjoy one of the most mad movies ever to grace the silver screen.