Watch Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce is a captivating, classic film-noir drama from the year 1945, directed by Michael Curtiz and featuring a stellar cast including Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, and Zachary Scott. The plot of the movie revolves around the life of Mildred Pierce, a single mother who sacrifices everything to provide for her daughters, Veda and Kay. Mildred is an independent, hardworking woman who starts out as a waitress, but eventually finds success running her own business. As she navigates through the challenges of running a business and raising two daughters, Mildred is drawn into a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and murder.

The movie begins with a murder investigation, and the police interrogate Mildred, who is the prime suspect. Through a series of flashbacks, we are taken back in time to when Mildred was working as a waitress and struggling to make ends meet. Her husband, Bert Pierce, has left her for another woman, and Mildred is left to raise their two daughters on her own. She decides to take a risk and open her own restaurant, despite the financial risks involved. Despite the odds against her, Mildred's restaurant is a resounding success, and she soon becomes wealthy and successful.

However, Mildred's success is overshadowed by problems with her eldest daughter, Veda. Veda is manipulative, selfish, and has extravagant tastes. She is never satisfied with what her mother provides her and constantly demands more. Veda's behavior becomes more and more irrational as Mildred's success grows, with devastating consequences. Mildred's second daughter, Kay, is more modest and simple, but the tension between the two sisters creates further complications in the plot.

Mildred's relationships with men also play a significant role in the movie. She initially becomes involved with Wally Fay, a wealthy businessman who helps fund her restaurant. Wally is charming and sophisticated, but he is also untrustworthy and manipulative. He encourages Mildred to spend more money and indulge in a lavish lifestyle, but he is only interested in her money. Mildred eventually ends up with Monte Beragon, a playboy who comes from an aristocratic family. Monte is passionate and exciting, but he is also cruel and manipulative.

As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed and the tensions between the characters come to a head. The movie is dark and suspenseful, with a sense of foreboding that pervades throughout. The characters are all deeply flawed, and their relationships are complex and often destructive. Joan Crawford plays the role of Mildred Pierce with a stunning performance that earned her an Oscar. She portrays Mildred's vulnerability, determination, and strength with skill and subtlety.

The sets and costumes are also worth noting, as they are indicative of the glitz and glamour of the 1940s. The movie is set in Southern California, and the locations reflect this with lush gardens, mansions, and beach houses. The costumes are glamorous, with flowing dresses, elegant suits, and sophisticated hats.

In conclusion, Mildred Pierce is a dramatic and engaging movie that has stood the test of time. It is a classic film-noir that showcases the brilliance of Joan Crawford's acting skills, and the complexity of the characters and plot make it a must-see for anyone interested in the genre. Although it is over 75 years old, the themes of greed, betrayal, and ambition are still relevant today, making this movie a timeless classic that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Mildred Pierce is a 1945 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 88.