# Mildred Pierce

> 1945 film by Michael Curtiz

**Wikidata**: [Q979726](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q979726)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Pierce_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mildred-pierce

## Summary

Mildred Pierce is a drama film, film noir, and a film based on a novel . The movie earned an Academy Award for Best Actress [1].

## Summary
*Mildred Pierce* is a 1945 American drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Joan Crawford in an Academy Award-winning performance as a determined mother navigating personal and professional turmoil. The film is widely recognized for its complex narrative structure and its role in elevating the Hollywood melodrama. It remains a landmark in cinema history, particularly for its portrayal of female ambition and resilience.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: September 24, 1945 (premiere), October 20, 1945 (general release)
- **Director**: Michael Curtiz
- **Studio**: Warner Bros. Entertainment
- **Genre**: Drama, Melodrama, Film Noir
- **Runtime**: 111 minutes
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Lead Actor**: Joan Crawford (Academy Award for Best Actress, 1945)
- **Production Companies**: Warner Bros. and M-G-M (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
- **Based on**: *Mildred Pierce* (1941) novel by James M. Cain
- **Awards**: Won 1 Academy Award (Best Actress – Joan Crawford)
- **Cultural Recognition**: Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry (1996)
- **Box Office Gross (1950)**: $1.4 million (adjusted for inflation)
- **Color Versions**: Colorized version released in 1990s under Turner Classic Movies
- **IMDb ID**: tt0037913
- **Wikidata QID**: Q823422
- **LCI ID**: v32653
- **Do not miss**: The film is in the public domain in the U.S.

## FAQs
**What is *Mildred Pierce* about?**  
*Mildred Pierce* tells the story of a determined single mother who builds a restaurant business from the ground up, only to face personal betrayal and tragedy. The film explores themes of ambition, class, and maternal sacrifice, set against the backdrop of 1930s Southern California.

**Who directed *Mildred Pierce*?**  
The film was directed by Michael Curtiz, a prolific Hungarian-American filmmaker known for classics like *Casablanca*. His direction of *Mildred Pierce* is praised for its psychological depth and visual style.

**What awards did *Mildred Pierce* win?**  
Joan Crawford won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in *Mildred Pierce* at the 1946 ceremony. The film itself was later selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1996 for its cultural significance.

**Is *Mildred Pierce* based on a book?**  
Yes, it is based on the 1941 novel of the same name by James M. Cain, which is considered a seminal work in American hardboiled fiction. The film adaptation remains faithful to the novel’s themes while expanding on character development.

**What genre does *Mildred Pierce* belong to?**  
The film is primarily classified as a drama, with strong elements of film noir and melodrama. It features a complex narrative structure and psychological undertones typical of post-war American cinema.

**What is the cultural legacy of *Mildred Pierce*?**  
*Mildred Pierce* is recognized for its nuanced portrayal of a woman’s struggle for independence and success in a male-dominated society. It has influenced generations of filmmakers and is often cited in feminist film criticism. The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1996.

**Who produced *Mildred Pierce*?**  
The film was produced by Warner Bros. in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It was one of the most expensive productions of its time, reflecting the studio’s confidence in its commercial and critical potential.

**What is the runtime of *Mildred Pierce*?**  
The film has a runtime of 111 minutes. It was originally released in 1945 and re-released in colorized format in the 1990s.

**What is the significance of Joan Crawford’s performance?**  
Joan Crawford’s portrayal of Mildred Pierce is widely regarded as one of her finest performances, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance brought depth and emotional complexity to the role of a struggling mother and entrepreneur.

**Where can I watch *Mildred Pierce* today?**  
The film is available through various platforms including Turner Classic Movies, streaming services, and public domain archives. It has been re-released in both black-and-white and colorized versions.

## Why It Matters
*Mildred Pierce* stands as a pivotal work in American cinema, bridging the gap between classical Hollywood storytelling and the emerging psychological dramas of the post-war era. It redefined the role of women in film, offering a complex, flawed, and ambitious protagonist rarely seen in 1940s cinema. Its critical acclaim and cultural preservation highlight its enduring influence on film history and gender representation.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award-Winning Performance**: Joan Crawford received the Oscar for Best Actress in 1946.
- **National Film Registry Selection**: Added in 1996 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
- **Genre Fusion**: Blends drama, film noir, and melodrama, creating a unique cinematic experience.
- **Complex Female Protagonist**: Mildred Pierce is one of the earliest Hollywood roles to portray a woman’s ambition and moral ambiguity.
- **High Production Value**: One of the most expensive films of its time, reflecting studio prestige.
- **Faithful Literary Adaptation**: Based on James M. Cain’s novel, it remains one of the most acclaimed adaptations of the era.
- **Cultural Impact**: Continues to influence feminist film theory and television adaptations, including the 2011 HBO miniseries.

## Body

### History and Production
*Mildred Pierce* was produced by Warner Bros. and released in 1945. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film was based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel of the same name. The production was notable for its high budget and ambitious scope, aiming to elevate the Hollywood melodrama with psychological depth and visual sophistication.

The film was released in three key dates:
- **Premiere**: September 24, 1945
- **General Release**: October 20, 1945
- **Colorized Version**: Released in the 1990s via Turner Classic Movies

### Cast and Crew
Joan Crawford starred as Mildred, delivering a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1946. Her portrayal of a determined, working-class mother resonated with post-war audiences and critics alike. Michael Curtiz, known for directing *Casablanca*, brought his signature visual style and dramatic pacing to the film.

Other key cast members included:
- **Jack Carson** as Wally
- **Zachary Scott** as Monte Beragon
- **Eve Arden** as Ida Corwin

### Genre and Style
*Mildred Pierce* is primarily a drama with strong elements of film noir and melodrama. The film’s visual style, use of shadow, and psychological narrative align it with the emerging post-war American cinema. It explores themes of class, gender, and ambition, making it a precursor to later feminist film theory.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Academy Award**: Joan Crawford won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1946.
- **National Film Registry**: The film was selected for preservation in 1996 due to its cultural and historical significance.

### Cultural Legacy and Influence
*Mildred Pierce* is considered a landmark in American cinema for its portrayal of a complex female protagonist. It influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to be studied in feminist and film theory circles. Its narrative structure and visual style have inspired numerous adaptations, including the 2011 HBO miniseries starring Kate Winslet.

### Distribution and Home Media
Warner Bros. distributed the film widely in 1945. It has since been re-released in both black-and-white and colorized versions. The colorized version, produced in the 1990s, was distributed by Turner Classic Movies and other platforms. The film is also available in the public domain in the U.S.

### Critical Reception
Upon release, *Mildred Pierce* was praised for its cinematography, narrative complexity, and Crawford’s performance. It has maintained a strong critical reputation, often cited in discussions of classic American cinema and feminist film.

### Related Entities
- **Director**: Michael Curtiz — Hungarian-American director, known for *Casablanca* and *Angels with Dirty Faces*.
- **Producer**: Warner Bros. — Major American film studio.
- **Author**: James M. Cain — Wrote the novel *Mildred Pierce* (1941), on which the film is based.
- **Lead Actor**: Joan Crawford — Academy Award winner for Best Actress (1946).
- **Supporting Cast**: Includes Eve Arden, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott.

### Preservation and Archival Status
- **National Film Registry**: Selected in 1996 for cultural significance.
- **Public Domain Status**: The film is in the public domain in the U.S.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 111 minutes
- **Release Format**: Black-and-white (original), colorized versions (1990s)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0037913
- **Wikidata QID**: Q823422

### Platforms and Accessibility
*Mildred Pierce* is available on:
- Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
- Streaming services (Amazon, iTunes, Vudu)
- Public domain archives (Internet Archive, YouTube)

### Trivia and Cultural References
- The film inspired the 2011 HBO miniseries *Mildred Pierce*, starring Kate Winslet, which won multiple Emmy Awards.
- It is frequently cited in feminist film criticism for its portrayal of a woman’s struggle for independence and professional success.

*Mildred Pierce* remains a powerful example of mid-20th-century American cinema, combining strong performances, innovative direction, and a compelling narrative to create a film of lasting cultural significance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
3. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1946)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
6. Mildred Pierce. Rotten Tomatoes
7. Lexicon of international films
8. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037913/releaseinfo/)
9. Kinopoisk
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/mildred-pierce/)
11. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=47897.html)
12. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
13. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/4574)
14. Cineplex
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19. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/9203-BDAC-FA5A-E31F-2F1F-I)
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/82201)
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl