The relationship between Christina Crawford and her adoptive mother Joan Crawford is presented from Christina's view. Unable to bear children, Joan, in 1940, was denied children through regular adoption agencies due to her twice divorced status and being a single working person. Her lover at the time, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lawyer Greg Savitt, was able to go through a brokerage to adopt a baby girl, who would be Christina, the first of Joan's four adoptive children. Joan believes that her own difficult upbringing has made her a stronger person, and decides that, while providing the comforts that a successful Hollywood actress can afford, she will not coddle Christina or her other children, she treating Christina more as a competitor than a daughter. Joan's treatment of Christina is often passive-aggressive, fueled both by the highs and lows of her career, the narcissism that goes along with being an actress, and alcohol abuse especially during the low times. However, Joan sees much of her actions toward Christina as Christina purposefully provoking her. Despite the physical and emotional abuse Joan hurls at Christina over the course of their relationship, Christina, who often wonders why Joan adopted her seeing as to the abuse, seemingly still wants her mother's love right until the very bitter end.
Play | Title | Artist |
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Mommie Dearest
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I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
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Isn't It Romantic
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Richard Rodgers:
Writer
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Main Title
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Of Shoes and Socks
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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My Darling Daughter
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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A Lovely Day (not used in film)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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On Your Mark
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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The Little Star (not used in film)/Bye Bye Greg
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Spoiled Children
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Battle Axe
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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A Test of Wills
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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No Wire Hangers (not used in film)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Uncle Daddy/She's Drunk/First Kiss
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Home Again (not used in film)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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No More Pain (not used in film)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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End Credits
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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SOURCE CUES: Birthday Party
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Isn't It Romantic? (composed by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers) / June in January (composed by Leo Robin and Ralph Rain
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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I'm Sitting on Top of the World (composed by Ray Henderson, Samuel M. Lewis and Joseph Young - EMI Feist Catalog Inc./Ra
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Christmas Music (Contains "Away in a Manger" composed by James E. Epilman and Martin Luther, and "Silent
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Tangerine (composed by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger) / To Each His Own (composed by Ray Evans and Jay Livingsto
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Minuet in F (from "Water Music") (composed by George Frederick Handel)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Winner: Ray Miland/Winner: Joan Crawford/Joan Crawford Playoff
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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ALTERNATE CUES: Spoiled Children (alternate)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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Battle Axe (alternate mix)
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Henry Mancini:
Performer
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