Merv Griffin Show 09 Mar 1966

This was the show when Merv was hosting the 1965 Photo Play Awards. They showed this episode last night on MeTV. John Wayne, Robert Vaughn, Christopher Connelly and some young actress from the TV soap Peyton Place won awards. Dorothy Malone won for Best Actress on Peyton Place but she could not be present to accept it due to being ill so Joan Crawford accepted on Dorothy's behalf. I tell you, Joan was utterly charming and gracious and even brought out some Pepsi in a champagne cooler with champagne glasses. But because I've read "Mommie Dearest" and remember how Christina said how her mother always put on the act for her public...I just couldn't stop thinking how Joan was putting on an act..she was just too gracious...but she looked stunning in her outfit and the pearls in her hair.