Mommie Dearest is a 1981 American biographical drama film about Joan Crawford, starring Faye Dunaway. This Joan Crawford occupies slot #41 in the AFI's 50 Villains list. This Oscar-winning actress was Hollywood royalty when she adopted a baby girl in 1939. Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) was nearing the end of her career, however; the plum roles were less frequent and her publicity was waning. Perhaps to boost her press coverage a little bit, she adopted a little girl whom she named Christina and became a mother after a number of miscarriages.