Joan Crawford...I don't get it.

I know I'm gonna get hosed for this. Honestly I don't want to start an argument, I just want to express my astonishment that apparently people think she is an attractive woman. In this movie alone I saw at least 3 other women in bit parts that were leaps and bounds above her in terms of looks. I will admit that her look is unique; I just don't understand how she gets romantic leads. She is such a bitch! I find it unbelievable that all these men are just SOOOO in love with her in this and every other movie. Compared to the looks of Veronica Lake, Lana Turner, Rita Hayworth, etc...well there is no comparison. Outside of gay men elevating her to be this icon of divadom, I don't understand how she had a career. How does that work?