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February 2008
Dear Casey,
What a great honor it is for me to write to you. I'm a long time and big time fan of your Grandmother. I was wondering
if any of the sales from her videos or DVD's goes back to your family as part of her estate? I realize that videos and DVD's
were not invented at the time Joan made the movies so perhaps there was never anything mentioned of kick-backs in her contracts
for showing her movies. I was wondering how that works. I know now that actors contracts include that they receive a percent
of everything.
I really love this website and I thought I hit a pot of gold when I could view rooms of her home in Brentwood, but writing
to you is even more amazing to me.
Thank you so very much for all your time and support. Her fans will become your fans due to what your doing on her behalf.
Thank you! Thankyou!
David Morrocco
San Diego, CA
February 2008
Dear David,
Thanks for the letter and welcome!
It is a similar honor for me to be able to correspond with my grandmother's fans across the globe. We have received such
an incredibly positive response to this feature of the website. Joan's fans are some of the most dedicated and interesting
people I have ever met!
As my grandmother passed away in 1977, given the subsequent developments in technology, such as cable television, VHS
/ DVD sales and rentals and other now digital formats, her will never really established clear intellectual property rights
for her image. Any residuals written into her various production deals through years, to include the subsequent VHS / DVD
sales are distributed per her will to the various charities named in her will.
The current Writer's Guild of America (WGA) strike that has shutdown American television and film production is the result
of the industry producers trying to stop the writers from gaining any residuals from the so-called "new media" to
include digital downloads and Internet viewing. There is lots of money to be made in digital downloads and the producers
are attempting to keep the writers from getting their fare share. Imagine what actors today write into their various contracts!
Contract situations like these just weren't thought about in previous decades.
Again, it is my pleasure to correspond with my grandmother's fans!
Thanks for the letter and please write again!
Best,
Casey
February 2008
Hello Casey!
So nice of you to write to all your grandmothers fans! I, like so many people of my age group [I'm 23] discovered your
grandmother through Mommie Dearest...I have since discovered that your Aunt Christina is a lying old hag...I know you cant
really say those things for legal reasons, so I'm happy to do it for you! I believe that yes, Joan was probably strict and
the punishments back then aren't 'acceptable' now, but obviously not the monster made out to be.
Have to admit however if MD was a script back in the golden age, your grandma would have done an even more amazing job
than Faye did! Good movie, I just look at it as a fiction rather than bio.
Okay I wont ramble on anymore..just a few questions..
Since Mommie Dearest so easily ruined Joan's name, has there ever been discussions in your family of a TRUE Joan bio movie?
Will there ever be a Joan Crawford doll?
I know you have mentioned that much of the Davis feud was hyped up, but I was wondering if your mother ever heard Joan
speak poorly of Bette?
Thank you so much!!
Danny
San Jose Ca
February 2008
Hi Danny,
Thanks for the letter and welcome!
It is true I have not made a point to bad-mouth my Aunt Christina. I will let Joan's wonderful fans do the job for me!
Fans always write in asking about our side of the family producing a film or writing a book shedding some new and positive
light on Joan's life and career. Nothing serious has ever come of it, and as my Aunt Cindy recently passed away, the time
to do so is dwindling.
I think a Joan Crawford doll would be fantastic! I could imagine a whole line of outfits and accessories too. Joan collectors
would love that merchandise!
As for the Joan / Bette Davis feud, I have stated before that I believe the feud was over hyped by the media. However,
I do recall my mother saying that she visited the Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? set and Joan didn't want my mom playing
with Joan's daughter B.D. I don't know if Joan didn't like Bette at the time or if B.D. just didn't quite meet with her approval.
Thanks for the letter and please write again!
Best,
Casey
February 2008
Hi Casey,
I have a friend that recently acquired a 1955 Thunderbird that supposedly belonged to your grandmother. Do you have any
knowledge of her owning a turquoise green T-bird. The seats were custom made for her according to the last owner. I told him
I would help him find out if I could.
Thanks for your time.
Jim Hughey
Indianapolis, In
February 2008
Dear Jim,
Thanks for the writing!
Joan owned several now classic cars. I don't have any specific information about this particular Thunderbird. Sounds
like a beautiful car! Let me do some more research and see what I can find.
Thanks again for writing and I will be in touch.
Best,
Casey
February 2008
Dear Casey,
I have been a fan of your grandmother for close to 40 years. Her work truly was wonderful. If you have not seen "Our
Dancing Daughters" yet you should try and find a copy. In this film your grandmother jumps off the silent screen in a
way I never thought possible.
Thank you for all you are doing to preserve the memory of your grandmother. I'm sure she would be very proud of you.
I would also like to express my sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your Aunt Cindy.
It must be especially hard for your mother.
Keep up the good work.
Best regards,
Ken Mensing
Rockville Centre, New York
February 2008
Dear Ken,
Thank you for the lovely letter! Welcome.
I love "Our Dancing Daughters!" Joan really becomes a Hollywood star in this film. She has a screen presence
that really became a hit with her fans at this point. "Our Modern Maidens" (1929) and "Our Blushing Brides"
(1930) furthered her career and made her a household name. I have seen all three films and truly believe they catapulted
her career into the stratosphere.
I am pleased to receive comments like yours on my efforts to preserve my grandmother's memory.
Thank you for the condolences.
Thanks again for the letter and please write again!
Best,
Casey
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