Harvey Brownstone conducts an in-depth interview with Casey LaLonde, Grandson of Screen Legend, Joan Crawford
About Harvey's guest:
Today’s guest, Casey LaLonde, is the grandson of one of the greatest cinematic legends of all time, Joan Crawford. In 1947, 7 years after adopting her children Christina and Christopher, Ms. Crawford adopted twin daughters, Cathy and Cindy.
Our guest is the son of Cathy Crawford LaLonde, who, sadly, passed away on January 10, 2020. Although our guest was only 5 years old when his superstar grandmother, whom he affectionately called “JoJo”, passed away, he has many fond memories of his time spent at her home in New York. And he’s dedicated a great deal of his time and energy in preserving, celebrating and honouring her incredible body of work and legacy.
Joan Crawford made 89 movies, including some of my all-time favourites: “Grand Hotel”, “The Women”, “A Woman’s Face”, “Humoresque”, “Flamingo Road”, “Sudden Fear”, “Autumn Leaves”, “Possessed”, “The Damned Don’t Cry”, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane”, and of course, “Mildred Pearce”, for which she won an Academy Award. She also appeared in dozens of TV shows including “General Electric Theatre”, “Della”, “The Lucy Show” and “Night Gallery”.
Joan Crawford rose from a youth of dire poverty, and literally reinvented herself, first into a dancer in the roaring 20’s, then into a silent screen star, and then into a full-fledged screen goddess. She was known for her phenomenal work ethic and perfectionism, as well as her incredible devotion to her fans.
After her death in 1977, her eldest daughter Christina published a book entitled “Mommie Dearest”, claiming that Joan was physically and emotionally abusive to herself and her brother Christopher. The book, which was made into a movie starring Faye Dunaway, was hugely controversial, and was immediately denounced by many of Ms. Crawford’s friends and co-workers, as well as by her daughters Cathy and Cindy – although to be fair, some celebrities including Helen Hayes, June Allyson and director Vincent Sherman, while never witnessing any abuse, DID describe Ms. Crawford as an unusually strict parent. Whatever may be the case, the book and movie had the unfortunate effect of somewhat overshadowing and tarnishing Joan Crawford’s well-deserved place as one of the Golden Age of Hollywood’s most important and prolific leading ladies.
Her handprints and footprints are in the forecourt at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 1970 Golden Globes. And the American Film Institute named her the 10th greatest female movie star of all time.
The efforts of our guest, to shine a light on Ms. Crawford’s talent and artistic legacy, are greatly appreciated by her legions of fans, including myself.
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https://hollywoodblends.com/shop/Joan-Crawford-The-Grand-Hotel-Blend-p478701098
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