Bert & Morty

*At the time of this interview, Joan had already been married and divorced three times. She had one more brief marriage before finally giving up her search to find her Mr. Right.

Who is the right man?

I’ve never met the ideal man. My big problem is that I have a great responsibility. I have four children. I know they’ll be better off if they have a father. These four kids (adopted) never did have a father and I’d be better off with a husband – but suppose I get a husband who doesn’t like kids, or a father who doesn’t love me?

What if the right man never comes along?

In that case I’m already adjusted to my life the way it is now – with my two great loves, my children and my work. No girl can go out and look for a husband. They way of a woman’s life doesn’t call for that.

Source: Joan Crawford Still Seeking Right Man, The Miami News, Aug 8 1954, Page 53
Photo: Fashion’s Most Wanted

Joan Crawford’s recipe for glamor and youth is the look on your face. She believes beauty is a state of mind. She says her secret is the look of giving.

Charm is an attitude and so are the lines in one’s face. There is hidden charm in all of us if we will tap it be being courageous enough to reach it.

She also believes in good grooming. Joan is a devotee of white gloves. But she doesn’t start the day with just one pair. She tucks an extra pair in her handbag so that when the originals get soiled she can whip out immaculate ones.

Source: Hollywood Queens Stay Beautiful by Dieting Walking, Middlesboro Daily News, Mar 1 1954, Page 2
Photo: Beauty Squared

In 1957 a group of millinery designers compiled a list of the Top 10 Best “Hatted” Women in America. There’s some familiar faces from Hollywood along with a few lesser known ones. Here they are, in no particular order.

Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower (First Lady): She just naturally loves hats and has made women all over the country, hat conscious.
Mrs. Ivy Baker Priest (US Treasurer): She proves that a woman can be feminine and charming and still have a brilliant career
Arlene Francis (TV Star): She is typical of a group of young and lovely women in New York’s stage and television field who consistently demonstrate the charm and effectiveness of a press hat.
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney (Socialite): She is one of the most beautiful women in New York society, and she knows how to do justice to a hat.
Mrs. Cyrus McCormick (Socialite): She epitomizes the chic that a mature American woman can achieve by taste and intelligence.
Lauren Bacall (Actress): She not only has a beautiful face, but she has a flair acquired early in her career as a New York fashion model. She knows that the right makeup and hairdo are necessary to do justice to a beautiful hat.
Joan Crawford (Actress): Can you think of anyone who could do more for a hat?
Mary Bothwell (Canadian Soprano): She epitomizes the chic that a mature American woman can achieve by taste and intelligence.
Mrs. Titus Haffa (Chicago Hostess): Her whole personality is so colorful and dramatic. Unlike most women who think of hats as accessories, she builds an entire costume around an exciting hat.
Audrey Hepburn (Actress): She has set a new style in young, natural charm – and she knows how to wear a hat.

Source/Photo: Hatters Select Their Favorites, The Southeast Missourian, Apr 19 1957, Page 12