Mildred Pierce Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pie-baking mama goes full Walter White to buy her ungrateful daughter’s love, but ends up with a side of murder and regret instead of a five-star review.

🍿 Mildred Pierce: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Murder and Interrogation

The film opens with a murder scene. Monte Beragon is found dead, and suspicion immediately falls on Mildred Pierce, his wife. She is brought in for questioning, and the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks as she recounts her life leading up to that fateful night.

From Housewife to Businesswoman

Years prior, Mildred is a devoted housewife and mother to two daughters, Veda and Kay. Her husband, Bert, struggles to find work, leading to financial strain and disagreements over how to raise their children, particularly the spoiled Veda. Mildred starts selling baked goods to earn extra money, a venture Bert disapproves of, highlighting their growing rift and leading to their eventual separation.

Building an Empire, Losing Herself

After the separation and Bert’s departure, Mildred takes a job as a waitress. Determined to provide for her daughters, she excels and soon aspires to open her own restaurant. With the help of Wally Fay, she acquires property and begins building her restaurant empire. She divorces Bert, and begins a relationship with Monte Beragon, the charming but ultimately unreliable owner of the property.

Tragedy and Unconditional Love

Tragedy strikes when Kay, Mildred’s younger daughter, dies of pneumonia. Devastated, Mildred pours all her energy and resources into Veda, showering her with luxury and attention, further enabling her spoiled and ungrateful behavior. Despite achieving financial success, Mildred’s personal life becomes increasingly complicated, shadowed by Veda’s relentless pursuit of a high-class lifestyle, creating a rift between them that widens over time.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mildred Pierce Beragon (Joan Crawford): A determined and self-sacrificing mother who builds a successful restaurant business to provide for her daughters, only to face betrayal and heartbreak.
• Veda Pierce (Ann Blyth): Mildred’s ungrateful and manipulative older daughter, whose insatiable desires and social ambitions drive much of the film’s conflict.
• Monte Beragon (Zachary Scott): A charming but opportunistic playboy who becomes involved with both Mildred and Veda, leading to tragic consequences.
• Wally Fay (Jack Carson): A shrewd real estate agent and friend of Mildred’s who harbors unrequited feelings for her and provides both help and questionable advice.
• Bert Pierce (Bruce Bennett): Mildred’s first husband, who struggles with unemployment and differing views on raising their daughters, leading to their divorce.
• Ida Corwin (Eve Arden): Mildred’s wisecracking and supportive friend who offers cynical but practical advice throughout her journey.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ida Corwin: “Personally, Veda’s convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young.” – Ida makes this sardonic remark about Veda’s behavior, expressing her disbelief and disapproval of Veda’s treatment of Mildred.
• Veda Pierce: “With sufficient money, one can exist. Without it, one is just a blob, a mess.” – Veda expresses her materialistic and shallow outlook on life, emphasizing her belief that money is essential for existence.
• Mildred Pierce Beragon: “I won’t be laughed at!” – Mildred’s declaration is made after discovering Veda and Monte’s affair and reflects her utter frustration with being manipulated and betrayed.
• Wally Fay: “Don’t you try to make things easy for me, baby. I wasn’t built that way.” – Said by Wally, a sleazy real estate agent, while flirting with Mildred, hinting at his opportunistic nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.453 million
• Domestic Gross: $4.5 million
• Worldwide Gross: $4.6 million

💥 Mildred Pierce Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘Mildred Pierce’! Joan Crawford’s performance is just phenomenal, so raw and powerful. The way she portrays Mildred’s desperation to win her daughter’s love is heartbreaking. The scene where Veda slaps Mildred after she tears up the check? Unforgettable! It’s a dark, twisted story that really stays with you long after the credits roll. Definitely one of my all-time favorites!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about complex female characters”
  • “Those who appreciate melodrama with strong performances”
  • “People interested in themes of family dynamics and societal expectations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Emotional abuse”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Crawford delivers a powerhouse performance as a mother battling for her daughter’s affection, even as she builds a restaurant empire. The film’s noirish atmosphere and sharp dialogue create a gripping experience. A classic that explores the dark side of maternal love and ambition.
• The New York Times: “Michael Curtiz masterfully blends melodrama and film noir in this compelling story. Ann Blyth’s portrayal of the villainous daughter is chilling, and the cinematography adds a haunting layer to the already dark narrative. This film is a must-see for fans of classic cinema.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A compelling drama elevated by Joan Crawford’s intense performance and a gripping storyline. The film explores complex themes of motherhood, ambition, and betrayal, making it a standout in the film noir genre. A timeless classic.

Audience Reactions

Ann Blyth’s portrayal of Veda is wickedly amazing, a truly unforgettable villain!: Viewers praise the film’s strong female characters and Crawford’s Oscar-winning performance.

The film’s blend of melodrama and noir creates a captivating, tense atmosphere.: The stunning black-and-white cinematography and dramatic tension are consistently praised.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and well-acted film noir that explores the dark side of maternal love, ambition, and betrayal. Highly recommended for fans of classic cinema.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1946

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Curtiz was initially hesitant to work with Joan Crawford but was quickly won over by her dedication and hard work.”
• “The film is based on a novel by James M. Cain, who also wrote ‘Double Indemnity’ and ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’.”
• “Several actresses, including Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck, were offered the role of Mildred Pierce before Joan Crawford was cast.”
• “The opening credits feature an ocean scene that ‘washes’ the credits onto the screen, a unique visual element for the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mildred Pierce?

Mildred Pierce (1945) is available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV for streaming options. Digital rentals or purchases can also be found on those platforms. Check local listings for possible TV broadcasts.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mildred Pierce, you might like these similar films:

• Imitation of Life (1959): Explores similar themes of a mother’s sacrifice for her ungrateful daughter and societal expectations.
• Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): Another Joan Crawford film exploring dark family secrets and intense sibling rivalry, with film noir elements.
• Terms of Endearment (1983): Deals with a complicated mother-daughter relationship and themes of sacrifice and resentment over several decades.
• Parasite (2019): Explores themes of class and desperation with families willing to do anything for wealth. This shares a similar dark and thrilling tone.

🛒 Mildred Pierce Related Products

• Mildred Pierce (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration, featuring insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes content. A must-have for film buffs and collectors.
• Mildred Pierce (Novel by James M. Cain): Experience the original story in all its gritty detail. Kindle edition available for instant reading, allowing you to dive deeper into the world of Mildred Pierce.
• Joan Crawford: A Hollywood Legend (Biography): Delve into the life of the iconic actress with a detailed biography. Explore her career, personal struggles, and the making of ‘Mildred Pierce.’
• Mildred Pierce Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a vintage movie poster. High-quality print captures the classic film noir atmosphere, perfect for movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mildred Pierce features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” – performed by Harry Warren & Johnny Mercer
• “Mildred Pierce (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Joan Crawford Wins Best Actress For Mildred Pierce | 1946

Ever wonder how Joan Crawford snagged that Best Actress Oscar for Mildred Pierce? This video breaks down her career journey and how this role was a total game-changer for her. It’s a fascinating look at Hollywood history!

TCM Classic Film Fest: Mildred Pierce Star Ann Blyth

Get the inside scoop on ‘Mildred Pierce’ straight from Ann Blyth herself! She shares some awesome stories about her early career and filming the movie. You’ve gotta hear what she has to say!

Joan Crawford parodying herself as Mildred Pierce in It’s a Great Feeling (1949)

Check out this super short clip where Joan Crawford hilariously pokes fun at her own role as Mildred Pierce! It’s a quick and funny glimpse at how she viewed the character after the film’s success; you can see that she truly loved Mildred Pierce.

Joan Crawford’s MILDRED PIERCE House Filming Locations

Ever curious about where they filmed Mildred Pierce? This video takes you on a tour of the actual filming locations! So cool to see the real-life spots where this classic movie was brought to life. Get ready to be immersed!

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