Robert Getchell (2) (1936–2017)

Oof. I saw bits of this movie on tv as a kid but it wasn't til I was an adult that I was able to see the whole thing and appreciate the story for what it was. Having an abusive mother, it was chilling to see how similar Joan Crawford's shrieking meltdown mirrored my own mother's antics. I can believe this story is real despite people who might disbelieve Christina Crawford because yes, the Mommie Dearest type of person is absolutely real.

Cast: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest, Howard Da Silva; Director: Frank Perry

Faye Dunaway delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Hollywood screen icon Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, a cult classic that alerted a generation of film fans to the dangers of wire clothes hangers. The story chronicles, in horrific detail, the actress's relationship with her adopted daughter (Diana Scarwid) who bore the brunt of Crawford's alcoholism, perfectionism, and abusive behavior. Director Frank show more Perry loosely adapted Christina Crawford's memoirs for the screen; the result is a Joan Crawford who is partly biographical and partly an amalgam of her various on-screen alter egos. The initial box-office failure of Mommie Dearest nearly destroyed Dunaway's career, but she is amazing in the role, managing to generate sympathy and understanding for the film's undeniably grotesque heroine. Most importantly, she has the kind of overwhelming star power that keeps the viewers' eyes glued to the screen. Part horror film, part melodrama, this deliciously perverse and lavishly produced spectacle is high quality camp at its most entertaining. Amy Robinson, Barnes & Noble show less

An overlong, sentimental and lifeless biopic of Woody Guthrie. Too halting and anecdotal to have much historical sweep, yet too broadly ambitious to achieve any biographical intimacy. Regrettably, director Hal Ashby has allowed both the protagonist, folk-singer Woody Guthrie, played with canniness and authority by David Carradine, and the Depression setting to drift away in pictorial reverie and dramatically evasive heroworship.