Too Much: Melodrama on film: Joan Crawford, The Ultimate Movie Star
This programme is part of Too Much: Melodrama on film, a UK-wide season, supported by BFI National Lottery funding, celebrating the vivid visual language, heightened dramatics and emotional pathos at the heart of film melodrama.
Crawford was often referred to as the ultimate movie star, the epitome of stardom in the ‘Studio Hollywood’ era, from the late 1920s to the 1960s. Star names on cinema marquees could guarantee an audience during this period.
“Joan Crawford and her camera,” said director George Cukor, director of The Women (1939). “It was the greatest love affair I have ever known.”
Joan Crawford was as meticulous and passionate about entertaining as she was about her career. She was a dedicated and detailed hostess who took great pride in creating a perfect atmosphere for her guests. Her approach to food and hosting was so significant that she even authored a series for Vogue magazine in the 1960s titled “A Second Fame: Good Food.”
Crawford was known for her detailed planning, ensuring every aspect of her dinner parties—from the guest list (a “wild mixture of people” was her preference) to the presentation of the food—was impeccable.
While she lived a life of luxury, Crawford’s favorite dishes often leaned toward down-home cooking rather than haute cuisine. Recipes attributed to her include Meatloaf, Pork Chops with Red Onions and Apple Rings, and a spinach salad topped with bacon.
Join us on a journey through all the emotions and culinary delights with Joan this winter.
We’ll be screening a glorious selection of films, including Mildred Pierce (1945), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1963), and Johnny Guitar (1954).
Why not recreate some of Joan’s recipes to share at a screening of one of the films – see below for recipe ideas and downloads.
Mildred Pierce would undoubtedly be her best performance and one of her biggest box office successes. As Little White Lies describes, it’s a “knotty, invigoratingly bleak women’s picture-noir hybrid from 1945, adapted from a novel by the great crime writer James M. Cain, that remains a masterpiece.”
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a 1962 film that features one of cinema’s most famous villains and two grande dames of Hollywood, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, going toe to toe. The Guardian describes it as a “film that packs a punch.”
Reigning supreme in a tailored project like Johnny Guitar, Nicholas Ray’s 1954 gem stars Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden. The Guardian describes it as an “extraordinary psychological drama.”
Want to see a screening near you? Get in touch at info@screenargyll.co.uk
Upcoming Screenings
| 1st Nov 25 | Johnny Guitar (PG) | Seil Community Cinema |
| 1st Nov 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) | Seil Community Cinema |
| 24 Nov 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) Studio Dunoon In partnership with Dunoon Film Festival | Studio Dunoon |
| 28 Nov 25 | Johnny Guitar (PG) | Screen Tiree |
| 29 Nov 25 | Illustrated Talk: Joan Crawford The Ultimate Movie Star | Screen Tiree |
| 29 Nov 25 | Mildred Pierce (PG) | Screen Tiree |
| 29 Nov 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) | Screen Tiree |
| 7 Dec 25 | Johnny Guitar (PG) | Eigg Community Hall |
| 7 Dec 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) | Eigg Community Hall |
| 19 Dec 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) | Mull Film Club |
| 30 Dec 25 | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12A) | The Ardchattan Centre |
| 30 Dec 25 | Johnny Guitar (PG) | The Ardchattan Centre |
Download film notes for the season here
Why not recreate one of Joan’s recipes to accompany a screening.
The recipes on the downloadable recipe card below are kindly supplied by Jenny Hammerton, from her wonderful book “Cooking With Joan Crawford”
for more amazing recipes and stories buy her book and visit www.silverscreensuppers.co.uk
To download this printable recipe card click the link below
Or why not try some other recipes inspired by Joan and the food in her films………..
🍴 Joan Crawford’s Iconic Meatloaf
This recipe, known for its mix of meats and the decorative use of whole hard-boiled eggs inside, is a perfect reflection of the mid-century hostess’s desire to serve a comforting yet visually surprising dish.
Yields: 10 large portions (great for a community event!) Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
| Ingredients | Quantity | Notes |
| Ground Sirloin (Beef) | 2 lbs (900g) | The main component of the loaf. |
| Ground Veal | 1 lb (450g) | Adds tenderness and a classic flavor. |
| Pork Sausage (Bulk) | 1 lb (450g) | Adds flavor and moisture. |
| Raw Eggs (unbeaten) | 3 | Used as a binder. |
| Large Bermuda Onion | 1 | Finely chopped. |
| Green Bell Peppers | 2 | Finely chopped. |
| Lawry’s Seasoned Salt | 3 Tbsp | Divided use (see instructions). |
| Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire Sauce | 3 Tbsp | Divided use (see instructions). |
| A-1 Steak Sauce | 3 tsp | Divided use (see instructions). |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs (whole, peeled) | 4 | Crawford’s unique surprise ingredient! |
| Water | 1 cup | Added to the base of the pan for moisture. |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Pre-Mix: In a very large bowl, combine the ground sirloin, veal, and pork sausage. Add the 3 raw eggs, the chopped onion, and the chopped green bell peppers.
- Seasoning: Add 1 tablespoon of the Seasoned Salt, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire Sauce, and 1 teaspoon of the A-1 Steak Sauce. Mix everything thoroughly (but do not overmix) until well combined.
- Shape the Loaf: Shape the mixture into an oval loaf form in a large, shallow baking pan.
- Insert the Surprise: Gently press the 4 whole hard-boiled eggs into the center of the loaf. The eggs should be hidden inside, so when sliced, they provide a decorative cross-section.
- Crust and Moisture: Sprinkle the remaining Seasoned Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, and A-1 Steak Sauce on top of the loaf to form a “crust.” Pour 1 cup of water into the base of the roasting pan (around the loaf, not over it).
- Bake: Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350∘F (180∘C) for 30 minutes.
- Reduce Heat: Turn the oven down to 300∘F (150∘C) and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Final Bake: Turn the oven down again to 250∘F (120∘C) and bake for a final 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with the pan juices.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to let the juices reabsorb. Slice to reveal the hard-boiled egg centers!
🎥 The Film Connection: Mildred Pierce (1945)
This meatloaf recipe makes a perfect pairing for screening Mildred Pierce.
- The Food Link: The entire plot of Mildred Pierce revolves around food and dining! Mildred starts a restaurant business that eventually becomes a huge success. The film is full of classic diner/restaurant fare, and this hearty, comforting, and impressive meatloaf captures the down-home quality of the food that Mildred would have perfected for her patrons, albeit with a bit of a glamorous “Hollywood hostess” twist.
- Thematically: Mildred’s journey is about a woman trying to provide a better life through her work and home-cooking. Serving a classic American comfort food like meatloaf is a direct, delicious nod to the film’s culinary setting and themes of hard work and sustenance.
Another Recipe inspired by Mildred Pierce
🍽️ Classic Buttermilk Chicken & Waffles
The main character, Mildred Pierce, starts her successful restaurant business during the Great Depression by selling classic American comfort foods, including her renowned Chicken and Waffles and her signature pies. The popularity of this dish is a key element of her rise to financial independence.
This recipe yields a famously crisp, flavorful fried chicken and light, airy waffles, perfect for a hearty brunch or dinner.
Part 1: Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken
(Prep time: 2+ hours or overnight for brining; Cook time: ~20-25 minutes)
Ingredients
- For the Brine:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breast tenders)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- For the Dredge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- For Frying:
- 4-6 cups vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Dredge: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk (do not rinse) and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres to all sides. Set the coated chicken on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes to allow the coating to “set” (this helps it stay on during frying).
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot or deep skillet to 325∘F (160∘C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through (165∘F internal temperature), about 6-8 minutes per side for bone-in pieces, or less for tenders.
- Drain: Remove the chicken and place it on a clean wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. Sprinkle lightly with a little extra salt while hot. Keep warm in a low oven (200∘F) while you make the waffles.
Part 2: Light and Fluffy Waffles
(Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: ~5 minutes per waffle)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients (Yolks): In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla until combined.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter until no streaks of white remain. This makes the waffles incredibly light and fluffy.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. Lightly spray the iron with non-stick spray or brush with melted butter. Pour the batter onto the hot iron and cook according to your manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Assembly
- Place 1-2 hot waffles on a plate.
- Top generously with 2-3 pieces of crispy fried chicken.
- Drizzle liberally with warm pure maple syrup.
- Optional additions: A pat of butter, a dash of hot sauce on the chicken, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
This combination of salty, seasoned fried chicken, sweet, fluffy waffles, and maple syrup is a truly satisfying Southern classic!
Or perhaps something a bit more horrifying……
A Delicious Duet! Baby Jane’s Surprise Dinner 🍴
Ladies, are you ready for a truly glorious main dish? This recipe, inspired by the unforgettable screen collaboration of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, is guaranteed to shock and delight your guests! It’s a sophisticated twist on a humble meal, transforming a simple dish into a show-stopping event—just like a comeback tour!
This dish takes its cue from the classic TV Dinner of the ’60s, but with a horrifyingly memorable centerpiece.
The Star Attraction: Sliced Chicken (or Turkey) with Gravy 🐔
(A comforting classic—perfect for an invalid sister!)
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Cooked White Meat | 1 large chicken breast, or 1/2 lb sliced turkey breast |
| Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 (10.5 oz) Can |
| Milk or Half-and-Half | 1/2 Cup |
| Savory Seasoning | 1/4 Tsp (Onion powder, celery salt, or poultry seasoning) |
| Frozen Peas | 1/2 Cup |
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The Method:
- The Gravy Base: In a small saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and savory seasoning. Heat over medium until hot and bubbly. This forms a nice, smooth blanket—just like the one Sister Blanche is tucked under!
- The Meat: Slice the cooked chicken or turkey into thin, elegant pieces. Arrange them neatly on your serving plate.
- The Garnish: Stir the frozen peas into the hot gravy until just warmed. Pour the gravy over the sliced meat. Keep warm.
The Unexpected Twist: The ‘Rodent’ Garnish 🐭
(Our little ‘surprise’ that makes the dinner unforgettable!)
This clever little trick is a talking point that will have everyone on the edge of their seat! We are taking a cue from the infamous rat that Baby Jane serves her poor sister. Don’t worry, it’s just ham!
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Canned Deviled Ham Spread | 1 Tbsp |
| Black Olive | 1 Small (Sliced into two pieces) |
| Parsley Sprig | 1 Small |
| Round Cracker | 1 Small |
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The Method:
- The Shape: Take the deviled ham spread and shape it carefully into a small, rodent-like mound with a long, pointed end. Place this little creature onto the round cracker.
- The Eyes: Place the two small slices of black olive at the front of the mound for ‘eyes’.
- The Tail: Gently tuck the small parsley sprig under the back of the mound to resemble a tail.
- The Reveal: Place the cracker and its startling cargo right on top of the sliced chicken and gravy.
Jane’s Sideshow: The Classic Mashed Potato Ring 🥔
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Instant Mashed Potatoes | 1 Package (Prepared as directed) |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp |
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The Method:
- Prepare: Make the mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Beat until light and fluffy.
- The Ring: Using a pastry bag (or just a large spoon), arrange a neat ring of mashed potatoes around the edge of the plate, creating a dam for the gravy. This is the classy touch Jane would have demanded for her dinner service.
The Final Curtain 🎭
Serve this thrilling dinner right away! Be sure to pour a glass of iced tea—a signature beverage for a certain paralyzed darling.
This meal is a glorious, dramatic melodrama on a plate—a dinner so memorable, it will be the only thing your guests talk about for weeks!
Or a refreshing drink?……
Blanche Hudson’s “Special” Beverage 🍹
A truly iconic concoction, inspired by the unforgettable screen siren, Blanche Hudson (played by the incomparable Joan Crawford) from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? This delightful drink appears innocent and refreshing, but like certain family dynamics, it harbors a rather unexpected ingredient. Perfect for serving when you’re feeling a little… trapped!
This recipe takes a classic, simple beverage and adds a truly daring element—a secret that will keep your guests talking for decades!
The Innocent Beginning: A Summery Lemonade 🍋
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Fresh Lemons | 4-5 medium (for 1 cup fresh juice) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 Cup |
| Cold Water | 4 Cups |
| Ice Cubes | Plenty! |
| Lemon Slices | For garnish |
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The Method:
- The Squeeze: Roll the lemons firmly on the counter, then slice them in half and squeeze out all the juice—don’t miss a drop! Strain to remove any seeds or pulp.
- The Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of the cold water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool.
- The Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Chill Out: Add plenty of ice cubes. Stir again.
The Shocking Secret: A Dash of the Unexpected! 🐦
(A truly unique flavor profile for the adventurous palate!)
Now, for the element that makes Blanche’s beverage so utterly unforgettable. This is for the hostess who dares to be bold!
| Ingredient | Amount |
| A Small Feather | 1 (Cleaned and sterilized, from a common bird) |
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The Method:
- The Submersion: Just before serving, gently place the small, clean feather into Blanche’s prepared lemonade.Allow it to float gracefully near the top. It’s a conversation starter, to say the least!
The Presentation: Elegant, Yet Haunting 🥀
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Tall Glass | 1 |
| Cocktail Umbrella | 1 |
| A Tiny Note | Optional (Perhaps a plea for help?) |
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The Method:
- Serve with Style: Pour the lemonade (complete with its special ingredient) into a tall, elegant glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a festive cocktail umbrella.
- The Whisper: For an extra dramatic flair, you might even tuck a tiny, rolled-up note inside the umbrella,containing a cryptic message.
Enjoying Blanche’s Beverage 🎭
This is a drink that truly embodies the spirit of the film: seemingly sweet and innocent on the surface, but with a deeply unsettling and utterly unique core. It’s perfect for serving to a sister who’s been a bit too demanding, or for any gathering where you want to leave a truly lasting impression! Just be sure to keep a close eye on who’s preparing the ice!
Or for something a little simpler….
Heres another fantastic excerpt from Jenny Hammerton’s wonderful book “Cooking With Joan Crawford”
GOOD-BYE COCKTAIL
I have heard that Joan’s favourite tipple was Vodka on the rocks in a Sazarac glass so I was thrilled to find this vodka based cocktail in a 1950s book, which may have been a Joan invention. As she was notoriously unhappy when people just dropped in without an invitation, perhaps she would have served such folk one of these and after they had downed it said, “Good-bye!” and ushered them out of the door.
Juice ½ lime
½ jigger vodka
½ jigger apricot brandy
Dash grenadine
Mix in an electric mixer with shaved ice. Serve in champagne glass frappéed. Small twist of fresh lime peel.
