#8: The Competitive Tears of Margaret O’Brien

Margaret O’Brien’s tearful performances weren’t just talent—they were the result of her mother’s cunning tactics. In Hollywood’s golden age, child actors were prized for their ability to cry on cue, and O’Brien’s mother made sure she outshined the competition, including June Allyson.

To guarantee real tears, she would threaten to use fake ones, triggering an emotional reaction from Margaret. This method, though questionable, gave her an edge in MGM’s infamous crying contests. Her heartbreaking scenes felt incredibly real, but behind them was a childhood shaped by emotional manipulation.