One of the most horrific moments of the film gives us an insight into the physical and emotional punishments that Joan Crawford inflicted on her adoptive daughter Christina, the author of the 1978 memoir the film is based on.

The infamous “no wire hangers, ever!” fit of rage is followed by Crawford forcing young Christina to scrub the tiled floor of her bathroom with Old Dutch abrasive powder.

This scene gives us the chance to spot what is probably the only nice touch in a very sad context. There’s a box of Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass perfume on the tiled washbasin counter in Christina’s bathroom. This floral green fragrance, created by Georges Fuchs, was launched in 1936. The blue horse decorated by a pink flower garland is a lovely symbol of beauty and freedom, a direct reference to Maine Chance Farm, Arden’s thoroughbred horse racing stable and horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Thanks to Daniel Roldán for submitting this post.