My Way of Life by actress Joan Crawford has been out of print and hard to find online. Reprinted now, this cult classic from 1971 offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of the greatest Hollywood divas, a woman who maintained the image of 'Star'. Her advice ranges from hostess duties and welcoming guests, to looking your best and a program for a lovely figure. This may have been more of an image she wants to portray than everyday practice, but her advice is actually simple and correct. And she did have great legs.
The best part is the beginning, where she details her daily life as a Pepsi executive (one of her husbands was Alfred Steele, the head of Pepsi) flying off around the world in her plane, or, accepting a part offered in the script she just read. She describes her penthouse apartment and the many homes she decorated in the past, and those of other notable New Yorkers who have a lovely view of the park even from their lower floor. There is much about hosting a dinner party, and the help to hire for bartending or serving. The final section is details about how to dress and look your best - from someone who extensively worked with costumers and dressmakers, it is for the most part good advice. I don't need to hear what to eat or how to maintain my shapely legs, but the folksy way she relates her schedule is as close to an autobiography from her I've seen. There are many times she drops a friendly line about wanting that certain couch or dress, if only we could afford it! She is one of a kind.
She gets personal talking about her children, her ex-husbands and why the marriages didn't work out, but seems contented with Steele and her role as partner in his life. She got a lot of flak about joining the Pepsi boardroom table, but remember this was in the late 60's and any woman crossing into that man's world will perceived as a bossy nuisance. The theme here is that being an equal partner with your spouse in all areas makes for a happy marriage. Her other theme - be prepared. Whether it is a film role or a social event, planning ahead makes everything go smoothly.
For a film fan, there is enough to make this a gem. I love hearing about her life in her own words. She even recorded an audio version that can be found easily online. Working her way up from chorus dancer in the 20's, to leading lady, and then stardom, she has seen and done it all with style. Her advice when being photographed was to look up, away, and smile - like you've spotted an old friend. She does it well on the cover of the original edition. So do her poodles.
1971 / Tradeback / 181 pages
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