Mildred Pierce

Rating: 5/5

For those who don't know me, I am a HUGE fan of Joan Crawford. This is one of her films that I have seen at least five times, and I can't seem to get enough of it.

Mildred Pierce is told almost 100% in flashback. We start out with a gunshot, a cry for "Mildred", and a woman at the end of her rope. The movie then follows Mildred, played by Crawford, telling the story of her life that lead up to the gunshot.

As part of the flashbacks that tell the story, we see Mildred going day to day as your typical 40's housewife who bakes, cleans, and cares for her children. Her average life is put through a change when her husband loses his job and tension rises in their family unit.

Not only does Mildred now have to find a way to support her family, but she feels obligated to keeping up the high class standards that her daughter Veda (Ann Blyth) has come accustomed to.

What could seem like a mundane plot, is brought to life by the natural pull Joan Crawford brings to the screen. It has been said that if Joan Crawford was on the same screen as Cary Grant or Clark Gable, the whole audience would still be looking at Joan. She has the ability to steal a scene no matter whom she shares it with, and it is that indescribable pull that earned her the Oscar for Mildred Pierce.

Not to be forgotten is the performance by Eve Arden has Mildred's boss turned friend and partner, Ida. She brings a wit and comedic timing to the film that I find refreshing for the era. I had been a fan of Arden from other works she had done, but I truly began to love her after watching Mildred Pierce.

A classic if there ever was one, this movie is one that all fans of black and white cinema should see. From its' 1940's dialogue to its' quick paced plot, this film truly transports the viewer into another time.

1946 Best Actress Winner- Joan Crawford