rhonda37216 Posted March 21, 2004 Share Posted March 21, 2004 I absolutely adore this movie, for more reasons than one. Not only is Joan Crawford incredibly realistic in her role of hard-working Mildred Pierce, but Jack Carson (Wally), Ann Blyth (Veda), Eve Arden (Ida), and Zachary Scott (Monty) SHINE in their roles as well! What is your opinion of this film? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leobertucelli Posted March 21, 2004 Share Posted March 21, 2004 Ah, if only they made films as this today--have to laaugh, how come they never made Midred Pierce 1 - 2 and 3?? And Carson and Scott were so under rated--Yes? Leo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minatonga Posted March 21, 2004 Share Posted March 21, 2004 I loved this movie too. Besides having a great story, the film also had terrific performances by the actors. I read the original book, Mildred Pierce, by James Cain a while back. It involves some other elements of the plot and ends differently than the movie. Also, Mildred and Veda are somewhat different too. You would probably enjoy the book. I really enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhonda37216 Posted March 21, 2004 Author Share Posted March 21, 2004 Leo and Minatonga, thanks for your wonderful responses. I appreciate you recommending that book. I'll look for it on Ebay or perhaps try to order it at the bookstore. ICAM that movies should be made today like this one! It is drama at its best IMO. Gotta love that remark by Jack Carson "I'm so smart it's a disease!" LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brackenhe Posted March 21, 2004 Share Posted March 21, 2004 I do love this movie so. I saw it before Mommie Dearest came out so I didn't have any preconceived notion about Crawford. Then, after the Dunaway movie came out I thought I could never be a fan of hers (Crawford), but I came around after seeing several of her 20's & 30's films. But for her middle age roles (I guess she was early 40's when this came out) it's my favorite. Additionally, Ann Blythe is fantastic in this movie. I think she was only 15 or 16 when she made this and she is pure evil in it. A great juvenile performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minatonga Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 Hi Rhonda I get to give a plug for where I work- Don't buy the book. I work at the local library and we had a copy. Your local library should have a copy of it too since it still is considered important fiction and author. It really was intersting to see the differences in character from book to movie screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venerados Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I always kind of thought of the films Double Indemnity, Mildred Pierce, and Postman Always Rings Twice as a trilogy even though they came from three directors and three studios. They were released in successive years and come from similar Cain stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansi4 Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I think the film "Mildred Pierce" is a superior soap opera. A tantalizing film-noir with some outstanding performances, beautifully filmed and mounted. It is a big favorite on TCM. Mongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliteblue Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I agree with you mongo. But can i add one more point though Joan Crawford won a oscar for her performance in this movie, i feel the oscar should have gone to Ann Blyth as (Veda). It was such a powerful performance for a young girl of sixteen truly amazing!.....I was hating her so much at the end of the picture i kept thinking she needs the woodshed with a leather strap!....... Where was the discipline she so richly deserved!........ What was her mother thinking of!......................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicsfan1119 Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 Venereados, very interesting observation! I hadn't thought of that before, and I think you are correct. Thanks for your thoughts! ML Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickdimeo Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I've mentioned before on this site that I thought Bruce Bennett was horribly miscast in this movie. I just cannot buy for a second that a lame duck like that guy can be married to Mildred Pierce. On the other hand Zachary Scott and Joan Crawford make a bombastic couple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhonda37216 Posted March 23, 2004 Author Share Posted March 23, 2004 Hi, Speaking of Ann Blyth, she was absolutely incredible in her role of Veda. The young actress who played her little sister Kay was so cute! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twtpark Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Yes, Jo Ann Marlowe was quite a charmer as Kay. But what sadness her real life had in store for her. Injured in an auto accident in 1968...she remained in a coma for 23 years until her death in 1991. But in "Mildred Pierce" she will forever remain that delightful little scene stealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joycefrith Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 one of my favorite Joan Crawford movies. I think she is brilliant in it. All of the characters in the movie were great, but Joan held it all together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dottanyia43 Posted March 31, 2004 Share Posted March 31, 2004 vernados, this is so true. these movies would make great trilogy. if they sold this as a collection it would sell like hotcakes. also, i like to add that eventhough joan crawford won the academey award for mildred, i think they overlook the wonderful performance of eve arden. i just love that line when she and joan was getting to ready drink the "good bourbon", eve made this wonderful toast" "TO THE MEN WE HAVE LOVED..THE STINKERS!" i love that line! it's so timeless! lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooty127 Posted April 9, 2004 Share Posted April 9, 2004 MP is one of my all-time faves. Crawford & supporting cast were terrific. Everything was just RIGHT, the lighting, the wardrobe, & the somber lush tone. Just watching Crawford & Arden interact & strut their stuff was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandarinparade Posted April 9, 2004 Share Posted April 9, 2004 I think it is a piece of cinematic perfection and I watch it every chance I get on television. Anyone who liked Joan Crawford in this should try to see one or more of her many pictures. She is my favorite actress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhonda37216 Posted April 18, 2004 Author Share Posted April 18, 2004 twtpark, I had no idea Jo Ann Marlowe had such a tragic life. How very sad. Thanks for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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