Mommie Dearest

1981, Biography/Drama, 2h 9m

47 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Mommie Dearest certainly doesn't lack for conviction, and neither does Faye Dunaway's legendary performance as a wire-wielding monster; unfortunately, the movie is too campy and undisciplined to transcend guilty pleasure. Read critic reviews

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Mommie Dearest Videos

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Movie Info

In this biographical film, glamorous yet lonely star Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) takes in two orphans, and at first their unconventional family seems happy. But after Joan's attempts at romantic fulfillment go sour and she is fired from her contract with MGM studios, her callous and abusive behavior towards her daughter Christina (Diana Scarwid) becomes even more pronounced. Christina leaves home and takes her first acting role, only to find her mother's presence still overshadowing her.

Cast & Crew

Faye Dunaway
Joan Crawford
Diana Scarwid
Christina Crawford (adult)
Howard Da Silva
Louis B. Mayer
Mara Hobel
Christina Crawford (child)
Rutanya Alda
Carol Ann
Harry Goz
Alfred Steele
Michael Edwards
Ted Gelber
Jocelyn Brando
Barbara Bennett
Priscilla Pointer
Mrs. Chadwick
Joe Abdullah
Captain
Gary Allen
Jimmy
Selma Archerd
Connie
Xander Berkeley
Christopher Crawford (adult)
Matthew Campion
Actor in Soap
Carolyn Coates
Mother Superior
Norman Palmer
Male Guest
Frank Perry
Director
Christina Crawford
Writer
Robert Getchell
Writer
Tracy Hotchner
Writer
Frank Perry
Writer
Frank Yablans
Writer
David Koontz
Executive Producer
Terence O'Neill
Executive Producer
Frank Yablans
Producer
Henry Mancini
Original Music
Paul Lohmann
Cinematographer
Peter Berger
Film Editing
Nancy Klopper
Casting
Lynn Stalmaster
Casting
Bill Malley
Production Design
Harold Michelson
Art Director
Richard C. Goddard
Set Decoration
Irene Sharaff
Costume Design
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Critic Reviews for Mommie Dearest

All Critics (47) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (24)
Full Review… Richard Schickel TIME Magazine Full Review… Bruce McCabe Boston Globe Full Review… Gary Arnold Washington Post Full Review… Jason Bailey Flavorwire Full Review… Yardena Arar Associated Press Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Sean Burns The ARTery Full Review… Gena Radcliffe The Spool Full Review… Douglas Davidson Elements of Madness Full Review… Allison Rose FlickDirect Full Review… Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Full Review… Diego Galán El Pais (Spain)
View All Critic Reviews (47)

Audience Reviews for Mommie Dearest

  • Sep 29, 2011
    A disjointed and episodic adaptation that will appeal more to those who are curious to know about Joan Crawford's abusive relationship with her daughter, since it makes no effort in character development and is only worth it for Faye Dunaway in a histrionic, over-the-top performance.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Nov 27, 2010
    To be honest, I really hate this over the top campfest.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Nov 08, 2010
    Not bad, but not great. If the stories of Joan Crawford as portrayed here are accurate, she was a real heartless woman. Dunaway is great, but she disowned the film after it bombed.
    Wu C Super Reviewer
  • Sep 06, 2010
    A fantastic drama with great actors, and a great story, I loved it, and I highly recommend it.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
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