Retro Movie of the Week!

Since I would like to actually have some content on this site I now present: Retro Movie of the Week! I will recommend one classic film each week that I feel is really important to film or is just a personal favorite. Now without further ado this weeks Retro Movie is...MILDRED PIERCE!

Synopsis: When most people think of the forties they think of Nazi's, Hitler, and World War II. What many don't think about is empowered women! All over the country everyday women were joining the WAAC or filling the vacant positions left by men at factories (Rosie the Riveter!). This theme was picked up in Hollywood with a slew of films like Stella Dallas, Jezebel, and The Women that revolved around and were driven by female characters. A great example of this is Mildred Pierce.

The film stars Joan Crawford as Mildred Pierce, a suburban woman who leaves her philandering husband. Rather than giving up she strives to (and eventually becomes) a successful and independent woman. Another theme of the film is the relationship between Mildred and her daughter Veda, played by Ann Blyth. While Mildred works tirelessly to provide a better life for her Veda grows up to be a spoiled brat who doesn't appreciate anything her mother does for her. These two themes come to a head at the end of the film, but throughout Mildred proves herself to be an independent and thoroughly autonomous character. It's a great film and Joan Crawford won an Oscar for her performance.

Specs: The film also stars Jack Carson and Eve Arden. It was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture. Running time is about 2 hours. I would recommend getting this through Netflix or your local library as blockbuster no longer carries films from the BEFORE TIMES (i.e. before DVD's, also anything in Black and White).

Future?: I read in Entertainment Weekly that their might be a remake in the works with Kate Winslet tentatively tapped (say that three times fast!) to star as Mildred herself. It would be a mini-series rather than a film and I would be excited to see it. The film definitely has themes that can carry over to modern times, but it would also be great as a period piece (think of the colors!). Though I'm not the greatest fan of made-for-TV movies (or remakes for that matter) I think this one just might be worth it.


Shout out to Prof. Despina Kakoudaki from the literature department at American University for her great class "Melodrama" where we watched some really great films!