Question 1

Why did Joan Crawford specifically ask for Margaret Sullavan to play Judy?

Accepted Answer

Crawford wanted Sullavan despite Louis B. Mayer's warning that the stage actress could steal the picture, replying she'd rather be a supporting player in a good picture than the star of a bad one.

Question 2

Which autobiographical line did Joan Crawford improvise for the film?

Accepted Answer

She improvised lines mirroring her own pre-stardom life, including: 'I couldn't go to school much. I was too busy doing shirts in the laundry, and when I finally landed that job in the chorus, it was too late for school.'

Question 3

How did producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz allegedly treat writer Ogden Nash's script?

Accepted Answer

According to 'Crazy Sundays', Mankiewicz thought he could rewrite any writer and after Nash's months-long 'respectable job', Mankiewicz crossed Nash's name off the picture in 24 hours.

Question 4

Who was originally planned to star in The Shining Hour before Joan Crawford?

Accepted Answer

A 1935 article in The Hollywood Reporter noted MGM originally planned the film as a vehicle for Norma Shearer.

Question 5

What stage history does the film's source material have?

Accepted Answer

The play opened on Broadway on February 13, 1934, closed in May after 121 performances, and was staged by Raymond Massey, who also starred as David Linden.

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The Shining Hour

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