The reason Joan Crawford is so dreadful in this film is that she is desperately trying to imitate the actress who originated the role on stage: Gertrude Lawrence. Lawrence's charm and individuality must have gone a long way toward making this play a hit on Broadway. Perhaps it's even a good play, but Crawford's unfortunate overplaying is so distracting that it's hard to judge. One can get a good idea of how Lawrence delivered lines by listening to a scene from the 1930 comedy PRIVATE LIVES which she recorded with Noel Coward. After hearing this recording, it's very clear what Crawford was trying - and failing - to do.
Review of Susan and God
