Mommie Dearest (1981)

Director:

Frank Perry

Writers:

Christina Crawford (book)
Robert Getchell (writer)

Release Date:

18 September 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Horror

Tagline:

To my darling Christina, with love...Mommie Dearest

Plot:

Mommie Dearest, best selling memoir, turned motion picture, depicts the abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother...screen queen Joan Crawford.

Plot Keywords:

Dysfunctional Family | Domineering Mother | Tense | Manic Depression | Ego

Awards:

6 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Faye Dunaway	...	Joan Crawford
Diana Scarwid	...	Christina Crawford (adult)
Steve Forrest	...	Greg Savitt
Howard Da Silva	...	Louis B. Mayer
Mara Hobel	...	Christina Crawford (child)
Rutanya Alda	...	Carol Ann
Harry Goz	...	Alfred Steele
Michael Edwards	...	Ted Gelber
Jocelyn Brando	...	Barbara Bennett
Priscilla Pointer	...	Mrs. Chadwick
Joe Abdullah	...	Captain
Gary Allen	...	Jimmy
Selma Archerd	...	Connie
Adrian Aron	...	Wedding Guest
Xander Berkeley	...	Christopher Crawford (adult)

Runtime:

129 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:AA (original rating) | UK:15 | Iceland:16 | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | USA:PG | West Germany:12 | Australia:M | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Chadwick School - 26800 Academy Drive, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

The movie's line "No wire hangers, ever!" was voted as the #72 movie quote by the American Film Institute (out of 100).

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Joan lunges at Christina and tries to strangle her, the pre-shattered lamp comes apart before it hits the floor.

Quotes:

Pepsi Chairman: Apparently the Board has failed to realize the extent of your interest in the company, apart from Al's position. We... misjudged. We shall be... pleased... to have you stay on.
Joan Crawford: Thank you, gentlemen. Now let's get to work...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Dallas: Mama Dearest (#6.13)" (1982)

Soundtrack:

June In January

Fact or Fancy? Still not bad, entertainment wise.

Is this account of the life of Christina Crawford and her mother true? Who knows now since so much has come out about it being more fiction than fact. This film is entertaining if nothing else and Faye Dunaway does do a decent job even if it is camp. If you've never seen it then it's worth viewing. Some of the scenes and the dialog have taken on a cult status which makes this film memorable.