... and that is why she probably enjoyed playing the role of Jenny Steward.
Yes this movie is campy and Joan's blackface dance number is definitely not on the radar of today. But I like Michael Wilding in the role of the blind pianist who seems to be the only person who knows how to handle the bossy and driven Jenny Stewart (played by Crawford).
Technicolor makes this a visually appealing movie, and so much more realistic than had it been shot in black and white. The clothes, the locations, it's all so much more lifelike and for me that alone justifies watching Torch Song.
But - it is obvious that Crawford is playing the role of a performer doing the same kinds of things Judy Garland did for real in so many films - the very capable dancer and incomparable tune-belting singer. Garland however did it naturally and easily, Crawford is acting those parts though I must say she does some good dance steps.
The real guilty pleasure camp classic of Crawford's during the 50's was not so much this, as the laughable Johnny Guitar!
Yes this movie is campy and Joan's blackface dance number is definitely not on the radar of today. But I like Michael Wilding in the role of the blind pianist who seems to be the only person who knows how to handle the bossy and driven Jenny Stewart (played by Crawford).
Technicolor makes this a visually appealing movie, and so much more realistic than had it been shot in black and white. The clothes, the locations, it's all so much more lifelike and for me that alone justifies watching Torch Song.
But - it is obvious that Crawford is playing the role of a performer doing the same kinds of things Judy Garland did for real in so many films - the very capable dancer and incomparable tune-belting singer. Garland however did it naturally and easily, Crawford is acting those parts though I must say she does some good dance steps.
The real guilty pleasure camp classic of Crawford's during the 50's was not so much this, as the laughable Johnny Guitar!