Produced in 1945, this classic, post-war, film noir earned Joan Crawford her very first Oscar. Based on a novel by James M. Cain, it co-starred Jack Carson, Ann Blythe (in her first performance), Eve Arden and Zachary Scott. The story is the chilling portrait of a mother whose devotion to her child not only goes too far, but also leads to murder. Although some of the scenes and situations are very dated in parts, its message can still be read today.
After her cheating husband (Zachary Scott) leaves her, Mildred proves to both him and the world that she can go on without him and become independent and successful. She works hard, suffers long and succeeds, but she cannot, no matter how hard she tries, win the approval of her mean-spirited, unloving and spoiled daughter, Veda (Ann Blythe).
Joan Crawford had been under contract with Warner Brothers for two years before landing the starring role in this movie. In order to get the role, she had to submit to a screen test after years of failure. She was at her best in this film as was Anne Blythe as the manipulative, spoiled and disturbed daughter, Veda. Eve Arden, a much under-rated character actress, shines in this film as Mildred’s devoted friend, Ida. Zachary Scott is at his dastardly, incestuous best as is Jack Carson as lecherous former business partner, Wally Fay.
Famed Hungarian-born director, Michael Curtiz, shaped this film and was originally reluctant to work with Crawford, who had a reputation for being very difficult. But she was fine with him and he was very pleased with her performance, which was without a doubt one of the best of her long career. Mildred Pierce was nominated for six awards, but Crawford won the only one for the film as Best Actress. It was also her only win out of three Oscar nominations throughout her long career.
What are some of YOUR favorite moments from this classic film?