Mildred Pierce

a film by Michael Curtiz

Another week, another classic (from the director of Casablanca and White Christmas) that I had no idea before. Another dodgy translation too. You say Mildred Pierce, they say Alma en suplicio, as if it were some sort of soap opera.

Well, it is indeed more melodramatic than the two previous films of the cycle. So what? Joan Crawford shines in a title role; Bruce Bennett, Jack Carson and Zack Scott are all quite good as Mildred’s assorted husbands and business partners. On the contrary, Ann Blyth fails to impress as Veda, Mildred’s spoiled brat of a daughter. And Eve Arden, in a supporting role of Ida, beats them all.

Mildred: Hello, Lottie, how are you?
Lottie: You look wonderful.
Mildred: Thank you.
Lottie: You’ve been away so long!
Mildred: Yes, I’ve been to Mexico.
Lottie: Is that a fact? Oh, it’s nice to have you back. I don’t know what we would have done if you’d stayed away longer.
Mildred: Thank you, Lottie. It’s nice to see you too.
Lottie: Likewise, I’m sure.
Gene: Welcome home, Mrs. Pierce.
Mildred: Thank you, Gene. Hi, Ida.
Ida: Well, well, long time no see.
Mildred: How are you?
Ida: How was Mexico?
Mildred: Crowded. How’s business?
Ida: Crowded. Want your desk back?
Mildred: No, thanks. On you it looks good.
Ida: You know, I like Mexico. It’s so... Mexican. Thanks.
Mildred: Here.
Ida: You’re in great shape.
Mildred: Nothing like a nice, long rest, is there? Got a drink handy?
Ida: Yeah, I guess so. Hey Gene, crack open the safe and get out some of that good bourbon. You never used to drink during the day.
Mildred: Never used to drink at all. It’s just a little habit I picked up from men.
Ida: Oh, men. I never yet met one of them who didn’t have the instincts of a heel. Sometimes I wish I could get along without them.
Mildred: You’ve never been married, have you, Ida?
Ida: No. When men get around me they get allergic to wedding rings. You know, big-sister type. “Good old Ida... you can talk it over with her, man-to-man!” I’m getting awfully tired of men talking to me “man-to-man”. I think I’ll have a drink myself.
Mildred: I’ll take mine straight.
Ida: Well, you can take it, I can.
Mildred: Seen anyone I know lately?
Ida: You mean Veda. I wondered how long it would take you to get around to that.
Mildred: Yes, I mean Veda. Have you seen her, Ida? Is she all right?
Ida: Why don’t you forget about her?
Mildred: I can’t. I’ve tried, but I can’t.
Ida: Well, try, try again. That’s my motto.
Mildred: You don’t know what it’s like being a mother, Ida. Veda’s a part of me. Maybe she didn’t turn out as well as I hoped she would when she was born, but she’s still my daughter, and I can’t forget that. I went away to try. I was so mixed up, I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted. But now I know. Now I’m sure of one thing at least. I want my daughter back.
Ida: Personally, Veda’s convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young.