Harvey Brownstone Interviews Casey LaLonde, Grandson of Screen Legend, Joan Crawford
Ойын-сауық
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.
For more interviews and podcasts go to: www.harveybrownstoneinterviews.com/
joancrawfordma.tripod.com/
joancrawfordestate.com
hollywoodblends.com/shop/Joan-Crawford-The-Grand-Hotel-Blend-p478701098
#CaseyLaLonde #JoanCrawford #harveybrownstoneinterviews
Пікірлер: 72
You’re an incredible interviewer Harvey. You do the research, ask the questions we want answers to, and then you LISTEN. Bravo. I was wondering if you might interview Natasha Gregson Wagner? Her book about her mother Natalie Wood and later being raised by her two dads is so good! It made me cry
I loved your grandmothers work such a talented woman. Thank you for your insight.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
You are so welcome. Thank you so much for watching!
This man is the most intelligent person to ever discuss the wonderful Joan Crawford ..
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
There’s no one still living who is more qualified!
Very interesting and enjoyable interview with Joan Crawford's grandson. I want to say if I had a chance to meet Joan Crawford in person, I would also hug her. She, along with Olivia de Havilland are tied as my all time favorite actresses. I also adore her and never tire of her many great performances from Our Dancing Daughters all the way to WHTBJ. Along with her academy award for Mildred Pierce, she deserved to receive this award for Possessed 1947, Sudden Fear and Autumn Leaves in the 1950s, great performances. Why she was never recognized for her great performance in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is very unfair and sad. She convincingly played a crippled woman, and I will never forget the expressions of fear and desperation on her face when Jane killed her pet canary and then served it to her to eat. Her acting in the struggle to drag herself down those stairs to get to a phone for help was great to say the least. Joan Crawford was not just a star, as some like to categorize her, she was a great actress!!!!!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
7 ай бұрын
I agree 100%. Thanks so much for watching and for your comments. 🙏❤️
Harvey, this was such an amazing and enjoyable interview. I am among the most ardent Joan Crawford fans and this was a total joy to watch!! I really like Casey LaLonde!!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
Alan thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I’ve been receiving a lot of flack for doing this interview, and your support means the world to me.
@lisacrane3143
Жыл бұрын
Unfortunately you are not gonna please everyone. The ones giving you flack do not know what went on back then and believe what they want to believe. You gave a very fair and balanced interview and didn’t bring into it your own beliefs
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
Lisa you’re wonderful. I appreciate you so much
I think it's possible to have 2 sides coexist in one person. Joan had many good qualities. But that doesn't mean she didn't have bad sides to her. And depending on the time in her life, it may have been worse during certain times. And who knows how much she did just to look like a great person to everyone else. What goes on behind closed doors is what we don't see. I think she should be praised for the good things, but I don't think we should discount Christina's experiences. Since Joan did have a rough upbringing, it would not be surprising if she was affected by it, and for it to manifest into how she treated her children at times. Especially if you add alcohol, possible mental/emotional disorders. Just because some people only saw one side of her doesn't mean other sides didn't exist. I would have liked if Christina's brother Christopher would have spoken up and told his side so we could see who's story matches who's. I am pretty sure he passed away though, and when he was alive just wanted his privacy.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Beautifully expressed comment. Thank you so much. Christopher did publicly support Christina’s version of events.
Thank you for Interview with Joan’s Grandson. Joan Crawford was one of my favorite stars.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Our pleasure!
I found Joan Crawford's movies about 10 years ago; I enjoy especially her 1930's work as a lovely starlet who was so appeared happy to be on screen as if it were a dream come true. So pleased that her grandson has come to understand Joan and how hard she worked for those in her life to do what she thought best. I only wished Joan kept a diaries.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
It’s surprising that Joan didn’t keep a diary. It sure would have been fascinating
Great interview. Joan never had the chance to defend herself so it fell to her grandson to do it for her--and he did a fine job indeed! Regardless of what is said about Joan Crawford, her films say it all about her as far as I'm concerned, and as far as I concerned she is the greatest actress Hollywood ever produced. Period.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for posting such a beautiful comment 🙏❤️
Another fabulous interview covering a sensitive issue with such professionalism. Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Thank you Casey for telling the story of a Hollywood Icon.
Excellent. Open minded and comprehensive.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
Thank you, Harvey and Casey, for this wonderful interview!
Thank you for this classy and beautiful tribute to Joan! 💗
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
7 ай бұрын
That’s what I aspire for our show to be: classy!! Thank you so much for watching 🙏❤️
I love Joan Crawford! great interview....
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!!!
Another great one Harvey 👍
Remember she likes here coffee, “ Alone.” The scene in Female on the Beach. Jeff Chandlers character asks how she likes her coffee.
Very interesting and enjoyable interview. Thank you both for posting.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching our show
What FANTASTIC interview. Thanks to both of you. I love Joan over here!!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so very much!!
By far, "SuperGirl" was the nail in Dunaways career. There are several scenes in "Mommy Dearest" that are a testament to Dunaways' acting skills. Just one fans opinion...
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
I agree with you
@ccvisions
Жыл бұрын
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 I saw "Mommy Dearest" in late 1981 at an all-Black neighborhood near Boston. (The film was about to end its run and that was my last chance to see it.) The theater was PACKED. Families, kids, all ages. I have never seen so much EMOTION pouring out of an audience! The whoooping, the gasps, the laughter, the shocked expressions, the uninhibited chatter and astounded response! Faye Dunaway's unbridled emotions on that big screen created a FUROR! Yes, not very seemly, perhaps. But Joan Crawford herself could stir up such passions in many of her very dramatic and melodramatic roles. If handled properly, and given good scripts and better roles, I'm sure Faye Dunaway's career could have taken a far better turn. I'm not even considering the veracity of the movie, but the dramatics and theatricality of it all has rarely been equalled.
Very good interview! I love Joan Crawford!! Brava, Lucille La Suer!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching our show
A lovely interview.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
That means the world to me. Thank you so much
This was a very informative and entertaining interview. Mildred Pierce is so good, the original with Joan, not the mini series on HBO with Kate Winslet.
Great interview. Loved it I also left a message to J C grandson but I wanted to thank you also.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliantly fascinating interview thank you
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching our show
What a wonderful interview of one of my favourite actresses. Thank you Casey and Harvey. I would be interested to know if Casey is Miss Crawford's only grandchild and if he coordinates his answers with them or his Aunt Cindy? I'm forwarding this interview on to other friends of mine that are big Joan Crawford fans!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
I believe Casey is Joan’s only grandson
I enjoyed this interview also , you asked the perfect type of questions , while at the same time giving us amazing understanding of what an amazing gentleman Joan's grandson became , l found your interview to be done by you with excellent taste , Thank You......
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
6 ай бұрын
That’s so kind of you. Thank you so much. 🙏❤️
I saw him speak at the film forum on may 10 2017 in NYC.
Mildred Pierce was not just her most famous role but it seems Joan Crawford ended up wth a daughter just like the one in the film.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
8 ай бұрын
Now there’s a thought that had never occurred to me! Thank you so much for sharing!❤️
@jaycorwin1625
8 ай бұрын
It hadn't occurred to me either until I had stopped to think about it, but many thanks. @@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
It would be great if her four missing films could be found..
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
I agree!!
Great interview...I do believe that there are sides to people that we never see. I also think that Christina's story was greatly exaggerated. I will always be a fan of Joan Crawford.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for watching our show 🙏❤️
I think u were very fair in saying no one knows what happened between Christina and her mother except those two, and also to separate her work from her home life too
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your comment Lisa. It means a lot to me
Faye Dunnaway is known for being a very difficult person to work with. I think that had something to do with her career fall too.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
9 ай бұрын
Absolutely
Harvey, I feel so bad that you would have people who would be upset with you over an interview. It was a great interview, loved hearing Casey speak so lovingly about his JoJo. You two covered some good questions, and he told some interesting stories. I would absolutely love to watch a Mini Series on Joan's life! Thank you for this interview, Harvey. If it's causing so much flack than it's time to get the proper info out to the public (👏👏👏). I enjoy this very much!!!
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Karenlee. I appreciate you so much. Anyone posting an inappropriate comment will be blocked from my KZread channel
"No one will ever know the truth"? How about all of the people who lived in the home who denied Christina's claims? Betty Barker, the twins, Joan's husbands. Even Christina's own friends have all said she lied. Seems like you just want to believe Christina.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
Жыл бұрын
I did not say I believe Christina. Nor did I say that I disbelieve her. I said no one will ever know the truth. And I stand by what I said. Period.
Harvey, you do your homework. Great, as always.
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much. I appreciate you immensely
Christina admitted she exaggerated the book. Shameful
@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980
2 ай бұрын
She admitted that? I didn’t know that. Thank you for sharing.