Movie Monday: Mildred Pierce

Movie Monday: Mildred Pierce

Initially released in New York in September 1945, Mildred Pierce, was released nationwide the following month. The film is based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel of the same name. Cain is often referred to as “progenitor of the hard-boiled school of American crime fiction. According to one source, the book is described as a “psychological work with little violence,” and the adaptation was designed as a thriller, so a murder was added to the plot. Apparently, Hollywood felt the country was ready for something other than the lightweight, rom-coms that were prevalent during the war.

Joan Crawford plays the title role, her first since leaving Warner Bros. for MGM. She ultimately won an Academy Award for her performance. Eve Arden and Ann Blythe also appear in supporting roles. The murder victim is Mildred’s second husband, Monte, played by Zachary Scott, an actor who frequently played villains, and the suspect is her first husband, Bert, played by former Olympian shot-put champion, Bruce Bennett whose career spanned over forty years.

The plot told mostly in flashback is a little convoluted, and I wonder if that’s because of the changes

made from the novel’s original storyline. After Bert is charged with the crime Mildred insists that he is “too kind to commit murder.” Bert splits with his business partner, resulting in Mildred needing to find some way to support her family. She settles on selling backed goods. As time passes, Bert accuses her of favoring their daughters over him, and they argue, eventually separating. The girls remain with Mildred: sixteen-year-old, “bratty social climber” Veda, and ten-year-old tomboy, Kay.

Most of the movie is Mildred trying to provide the material possession and social status Veda craves. Veda’s behavior toward her mother is reprehensible, and she pulls one “stunt” after another, getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Their relationship deteriorates, but Mildred continues to try to fix the consequences of Veda’s actions. I won’t spoil the ending.

As mentioned, there are differences between the book and movie:

• The novel spans nine years (1931-1940), whereas the movie takes place between 1939 and 1943.
• Mildred is referred to as “more of a tycoon” in the movie by one source.
• Mildred’s restaurants are more glamorous, and she owns a chain rather than three.
• There are no references to the Depression or Prohibition in the movie.

A huge box office success, Mildred Pierce was met with mixed reviews from critics. Joan Crawford’s performance was praised, but some aspects of the storyline were panned. In 1996, the movie was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and chosen for preservation in the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

Have you seen this classic?

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The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo Credits:

Movie Poster: By "Copyright Warner Bros. Distributing Corporation" - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Public Domain.

Movie Still: By Trailer screenshot - Mildred Pierce trailer, Public Domain.

Novel Cover: By http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=4511267781, Fair use.