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Sex and drugs and poisoned champagne: 90 years on, we can finally see Joan Crawford’s wildest film
A legal dispute led to Letty Lynton, the golden age superstar’s controversial drama, being sealed away. Only now can audiences see what all the fuss was about
TL;DR
- The 1932 film 'Letty Lynton' starring Joan Crawford, controversial for its risque content, has not been screened legally since January 1936.
- The film was inspired by the real-life case of Madeleine Smith and a Broadway play 'Dishonored Lady', leading to a plagiarism lawsuit against MGM.
- MGM withdrew the film in 1937 after the playwrights pursued profits, and it was subsequently labeled 'box office poison' along with Crawford.
- A dress designed by Adrian for Crawford in the film became a major fashion trend, influencing styles with its puffed sleeves.
- Joan Crawford's grandson, Casey LaLonde, facilitated the film's restoration and upcoming legal screening at the TCM film festival, with Warner Bros handling the release.
- The copyright on the original play expired on December 31, 2025, making the film's re-release legally feasible.