Those in attendance last night cared nothing for the phrase "no wire hangers". A tribute to Joan Crawford was held in UCLA's James Bridges Theater. The main premise was to hear Charlotte Chandler, author of the new book Joan Crawford: Not the Girl Next Door, share her memories of Joan. Ms. Chandler was one of five panelists who spoke about the legendary star. Also on the panel was Crawford's Autumn Leaves co-star Cliff Robertson, Crawford's former publicist, Warren Cowan, LA Times writer, Kevin Thomas, and Crawford archivist Sean Sobeck. Joan Crawford's grandson, Casey LaLonde, was in attendance, as was Crawford's secretary Betty Barker and Neil Maciejewski of the Legendary Joan Crawford website.

The evening began with an introduction by Robert Rosen, dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Rosen spoke of Crawford's work and how some of the panelists shared a connection with her that transcended into lifelong personal friendships. A major highlight to the evening was the screening of clips from different Joan Crawford films, beginning with her appearance opposite Lon Chaney in 1927's The Unknown. Chandler remembered that Joan found Lon Chaney a highly professional man who took her under his wing. Other clips included Rain, Mildred Pierce, The Women, Grand Hotel, Dancing Lady, Autumn Leaves, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Cliff Robertson offered his memories of working with Joan on Autumn Leaves. Many years her junior, he was nervous at the thought of playing her leading man. Nonetheless, for those who've seen the film, he did pull it off nicely.

Following the event, each panelist took time to speak with those in attendance and take photographs. The evening wrapped up with various Crawford-related discussions spilling outside on the UCLA campus.