Joan Crawford with Guns, 1930/69, 8 x 10, George Davies private collection stamp verso, Facts: Joan Crawford (1905–1977) American actress. She was contracted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1925, playing small B movie parts. She began a self-publicity campaign, becoming known as a ‘flapper’. By the 1930’s, she was labeled box office poison. Her return to stardom began when she starred in “Mildred Pierce” in 1945 and she won an Academy Award for that role. She also married Alfred Steele, chairman of the board of Pepsi-Cola Company and after his death, she played an active role in the company, when the board elected her to replace her late husband’s seat. She was forced to retire in 1973. Most of us are more familiar with her daughter’s ‘tell all book’, “Mommie Dearest”. She was voted the 10th greatest female star in the history of American cinema by the A.F.I. She was born Lucille Fay LeSueur.

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