We (yours truly) adore the on-screen Joan Crawford.
Was she the single greatest actress of her generation? Nope. Was she remarkable? You bet. With a 47-year Hollywood career, she understood what it took to become a Movie Legend.
It is Crawford’s film career that is the subject of a new biography, Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford’s March to Stardom (University of Mississippi Press: 2023), by film historian Robert Dance.
Dance is true to his mission. He examines Crawford’s career as though it were a Business Case Study: Crawford as the research & development, marketing, and consumer product of her own career. Even the word “march” in the title of the biography points to a dogged and strategic advance towards Hollywood Stardom.
“Few of her biographers…have dealt critically with the drive that propelled her forward,” writes Dance, “or her difficult personal life beginning as a child, which became more complicated during the gyrations of her acting career, and following her decision to become a mother.”
Not only does he examine the machinations of the Joan Crawford Career, he analyzes the choice of films, “looking closely at the strategy of producers, and Crawford herself, that allowed her to win her stardom and sustain it for decades.”
In her day, Crawford was incredibly famous and influential. Women loved her Underdog-Makes-Good screen persona. Even clothes she wore in her films were copied and sold in department stores, sometimes available within days of a film’s release.
Dance records his shrewd, well-researched observations in an orderly, enjoyable fashion. If Hollywood Fame could be formulated in an engaging Business Plan, this is how to do it.
Crawford with Jack Carson in Mildred Pierce (1945). Image: Little White Lies
Dance covers the basics of Crawford’s life: her unstable childhood; her tendency to, uh, befriend men who could advance her career; her marriages; and the 1925 MGM contest to give her a new Movie Star name, in which she became Joan Crawford. (Her given name, Lucile Le Sueur, was difficult to spell and, apparently, sounded too much like “sewer”.)
Now that she was Joan Crawford, she needed to build a new identity.
“It would take her more than three years to figure out Joan Crawford,” writes Dance, “but when she exploded on the screen, she was a star like no other.”
The film industry became her obsession. She befriended cameramen, lighting technicians, and costume designers. She studied other actors, and she worked hard.
Dance shows great admiration for Crawford’s relentless drive. Indeed, her Ambition is fascinating.
“Since joining MGM she had courted writers and photographers, befriending many, and made herself available at a moment’s notice for an interview or photo shoot,” says Dance. “Her strategy paid off… She made sure anyone who could help promote her career had her telephone number.”
He praises her focus and diligence, especially when it came to answering fan mail, a life-long discipline. Dance says after she died, fan letters were discovered awaiting her response.
Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) Image: Dwrayger Dungeon
Dance has a clear and enjoyable reading style, although readers may wonder about the insistence to use the word “insure” instead of “ensure”.
No matter! He is a fair and reasonable biographer. He mentions an unsavory rumour that dogged Crawford throughout her life, but doesn’t speculate or draw unprovable conclusions. He also addresses the strained relationship between Crawford and her daughter, Christina.
We could hardly set this book down, and felt a little sad when we finished it.
Ferocious Ambition is a skilled profile of Determination. You don’t have to be a fan of Joan Crawford, or her movies, to appreciate this exploration of a Hollywood Legend.
Notes
Disclosure: The University Press of Mississippi sent us a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Click HERE to purchase your copy of Ferocious Ambition.
I love Joanie. One of the best and most natural actors of the 1930’s and 40’s. I’ll always respect that she never forgot that it was the public who made her a star and kept her in work. Few actors have ever been as devoted or respectful to their fans as she was. So sad to see the career decline in the later years of her life.
Maddy, you must, MUST read this book. It’s an excellent look at an ambitious actress wrangling her way through Hollywood. Also a terrific look at mechanics of the studio system.
Great post 🙂 One of my many favorite Joan Crawford films is Nicholas Ray’s subversive 1954 western Johnny Guitar 🙂 The use of color in that film is eye-catching 🙂
Up until now, I haven’t had any interest in reading a biography of Joan Crawford, but you just changed my mind! The determination you and the biographer mention reminds me of the book Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style which also discusses the strategic ambition of another Hollywood star.
The Cary Grant bio sounds really good. As for the Joan Crawford bio, I really found it hard to put down. The author is as laser-focused on her career as Crawford herself was. If you do get the chance to read it, I hope you enjoy!
This book sounds fascinating, Ruth! Definitely one to add to the list. I love how the author focuses on her determination and drive to become a star. Thanks for the great review!
Silver Screenings 
This sounds like a good one, Ruth.
I love Joanie. One of the best and most natural actors of the 1930’s and 40’s. I’ll always respect that she never forgot that it was the public who made her a star and kept her in work. Few actors have ever been as devoted or respectful to their fans as she was. So sad to see the career decline in the later years of her life.
Hope all good with you.
Maddy
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Maddy, you must, MUST read this book. It’s an excellent look at an ambitious actress wrangling her way through Hollywood. Also a terrific look at mechanics of the studio system.
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I’ll keep an eye out for it!
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Nice review Ruth, and I love the cover. Did I invite you to this??https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2024/03/25/name-blogathon/
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If yes.. sorry for repeating myself, if no.. you are now officially invited
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Ha! Thanks!
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Joan Crawford was so photogenic, wasn’t she?
Yup I signed up for the blogathon, and I can’t wait!
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Good it really wouldn’t be the same without you. And you are right about Joan, she’s got such amazing eyes.
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Great post 🙂 One of my many favorite Joan Crawford films is Nicholas Ray’s subversive 1954 western Johnny Guitar 🙂 The use of color in that film is eye-catching 🙂
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I have yet to see Johnny Guitar, but it’s definitely on the Must Watch List. Have read so many great reviews about it.
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Oh yes, please check it out because you will not regret it 🙂 Director Nicholas Ray really knew how to use color in his films 🙂
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Whatever Happened To Baby Jane—still one of my favourites!
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It’s such a great movie, isn’t it? It’s so riveting, I don’t think I even blink while watching.
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Up until now, I haven’t had any interest in reading a biography of Joan Crawford, but you just changed my mind! The determination you and the biographer mention reminds me of the book Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style which also discusses the strategic ambition of another Hollywood star.
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The Cary Grant bio sounds really good. As for the Joan Crawford bio, I really found it hard to put down. The author is as laser-focused on her career as Crawford herself was. If you do get the chance to read it, I hope you enjoy!
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This book sounds fascinating, Ruth! Definitely one to add to the list. I love how the author focuses on her determination and drive to become a star. Thanks for the great review!
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This book has a laser focus on Joan C’s career, which makes for a riveting read. I hope you enjoy if you come across it.
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This book looks fascinating–it’s always nice to see a balanced look at Joan Crawford. Off topic, but I nominated you for a Sunshine Blogger Award. Congrats! https://takinguproom.com/2024/04/12/the-sunshine-is-back-again/
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Thanks so much for the nom! And I hope you get a chance to read the fascinating book abouy Joan Crawford’s career.
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