Directed by Michael Curtiz | United States | 111 min

Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) directs Joan Crawford in her Oscar-winning role in this film noir classic of the price of the “rags to riches” dream. Mildred, a single mother hell-bent on freeing her children from the stigma of economic hardship, pulls herself up by her bootstraps and becomes the well-heeled owner of a successful restaurant chain. But in film noir, nothing is as it appears and Mildred’s forever thirsty daughter Veda (Ann Blyth) manipulates Mildred to give herself over more and more to her daughter’s whims. Whims eventually lead to murder and Mildred is forced to question her undying devotion and the worth of her own success. 

Produced and released during the interim period at the end of WW2, where women were moving back into traditional domestic roles after taking on more societal responsibility and autonomy. Mildred Pierce is one of the quintessential melodramas showcasing a “Lady Boss” from the classic Hollywood period. 

 

Written by Scott Lang.

Part of our 40 Divas Series.

 

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In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.