Is Joan Crawford: Always the Star Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1996)

📖 The Core Premise

Joan Crawford: Always the Star stands as a 1996 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary, TV Movie landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Glamorous and hugely popular Joan Crawford raised herself from brutal poverty to Academy Award-winning stardom by guts, determination and hard work. During her 50-year career, she made over 80 films. But her obsessive perfectionism led to the later caricature of coat-hanger-wielding harridan that even the adoration of fans could not counter. Still, she has endured as one of the most popular icons of the movies, an early role model to a million young women who aspired to her image of stylish magnetic power and unquestioned independence."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Joan Crawford is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Joan Crawford: Always the Star worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1996, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Joan Crawford: Always the Star is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 50 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.