Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce begins with the murder of the playboy Monte Beragon. Although the identity of the murderer is revealed at the end and the film is based on a novel by the crime writer James M. Cain, Mildred Pierce is a melodrama rather than a crime story. It is a story about a mother, Mildred Pierce, who will do anything for her teenagedaughter Veda. Unfortunately, Veda does not appreciate her mother's efforts, far from it. Even worse, Mildred never seems to realize what a spoiled brat her daughter is.

Joan Crawford was rewarded an Oscar for the part of the self-sacrificing mother. Eve Arden was deservedly nominated for best supporting actress.