more recently, film critic dennis schwartz discussed the importance of the role to joan crawford: "joan crawford jumped at the chance to star in this juicy role despite having to play a facially disfigured woman (at least for half the film), which she was advised by even louis b. mayer (mgm head) that it could be costly for the glamor actress in the future. instead it turned out to be one of her more acclaimed roles and did nothing but promote her career further as a serious dramatic actress (she won an oscar for "mildred pierce" in 1945, which she claims this film had a cumulative effect in helping her win that award). crawford's scar makeup was credited to jack dawn, who created makeup for such films as "the wizard of oz" (1939) and "dr. jekyll and mr. hyde" (1941)."