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Joan Crawford lives on through fan's collection
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Legendary Joan Crawford's Neil Maciejewski with a small portion of his collection.
Photo: Neil Maciejewski Archives
In 2004, Neil Maciejewski started a website that has since become the go-to site for all things Joan Crawford. The site - Legendary Joan Crawford - is one of the most informative and illuminating sites available for fans, featuring not only extensive photo galleries and information on the former Kansas City-ite's career (you will find information on her films as well as TV/radio work) but one of the biggest collections of Classic Hollywood memorabilia on the net.
Megan Knell: What drew you to Joan Crawford?
Neil Maciejewski: When I started doing research on Crawford in 2001, I had yet to watch any of her films. My first two films I watched of Crawford's were Mildred Pierce and Grand Hotel. I was drawn to her presence on the screen and her mesmerizing beauty. I was fascinated! I started heavily researching her life and career and watched more of her films. After I learned more about her background, I was even more drawn to her. I admired how she came from a troubled background and overcame the odds and succeeded in becoming one of the biggest female stars of all time. I was amazed at how driven and determined she was to succeed and stay relevant for nearly six decades. She truly had one of the most remarkable careers in the movie business.
MK: How did you get started collecting Joan Crawford memorabilia?
NM: My Joan Crawford collection started with a rare 1926 sterling silver comb Joan Crawford owned that I purchased from a collector in Europe. I figured I would just purchase this one Crawford related item as a keepsake, but it grew into a vast collection of photos and movie memorabilia. Now, I mostly collect original rare photos and vintage glass movie slides.
MK: How long have you been collecting?
NM: I have only been collecting for six years now and surprisingly have a vast collection. I am scared to see how much it will grow in another six years!
MK: Do you have a favorite piece that you have collected?
NM: My favorite piece in my collection is an original 1932 Swedish poster from the film Letty Lynton, which hangs proudly in my home. This was a highly successful film for Joan in 1932; it started a huge fashion craze back in the day. The film Letty Lynton has never been released to the public due to a copyright infringement suit that was filed back in 1938. I am hoping someday it will be restored and released to the general public.
MK: You have been interviewed for different media pieces regarding Joan Crawford. How did those come about and what were some of the interviews you gave for?
NM: My website, Legendary Joan Crawford, has been a huge launch pad for fans of Joan Crawford, newcomers that want to learn more about Joan and media resources. Most of the interviews that I have participated in have been through my website. I have done interviews for Out Traveler Magazine, Haute Doll Magazine, The Washington Blade, The Chicago Tribune and several other newspapers around the globe. I have also appeared in several Joan Crawford DVD documentaries, which include: Gable & Crawford for the DVD release of Strange Cargo and Tough Baby: Torch Song for the DVD release of Torch Song. You can view these documentaries on the Joan Crawford Box Set Volume II. I am also featured in Life in the Shadows - The Making of Daisy Kenyon on the DVD release for the 1947 film Daisy Kenyon. It has been an interesting journey since I started my website Legendary Joan Crawford in 2004.
MK: How does one become a film historian?
NM: I don't consider myself a film historian; I do consider myself a Joan Crawford historian. If you're passionate about something and want to take the time to learn about a particular person in history or films in general, you have to take the time to educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the topic you're passionate about whether that is through books, extensive research or talking to people related to your interest. I have spent eight years reaching out to many people connected to Joan Crawford including her family, people that knew her personally, other fans and historians. Educate and making yourself a reliable and trusted source can turn you into a "historian" on any given topic.
MK: What is your favorite Joan Crawford film?
NM: Choosing one Joan Crawford film is difficult, she made 86 films, but if I had to choose one - it would be the 1941 film A Woman's Face. This film really showcased Joan's acting in a breakout role that portrayed her as a blackmail artist with a disfigured face, which was unheard of for 1941 to be "unglamorous" in the movies. I highly recommend this film!
MK: What advice do you have for the novice Hollywood collector?
NM: I suggest collecting pieces you like enough that you would want to put on display in your home and not keep hidden in a box somewhere. What's the point of collecting things if you can't admire them and show off to people? Also, start small and gradually grow your collection - beware it becomes an addiction.
On Legendary Joan Crawford, fans can see dozens of photos of Maciejewski's collection, as well as participate in "Ask Casey" - a feature that allows fans to send messages and questions to Casey LaLonde, Crawford's grandson.
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