Part of Weekend Classics and playing with MOMMIE DEAREST
Spend this Mother’s Day with the mom who would do anything for her daughter…including murder! Dying of gunshot wounds, Monte Beragon (Zachary Scott) croaks the name “Mildred.” The police believe he has named his murderer — and Pierce confesses to the crime. Now, as her story unfolds, the police learn of a woman who divorces her philandering husband, takes a job as a waitress, and does anything to achieve success and provide for her beloved daughter. Directed by Michael Curtiz (CASABLANCA).
“Nasty, gratifying version of the James Cain novel about suburban grass-widowhood and the power of the native passion for money and all that money can buy. Attempt made to sell Mildred as noble when she is merely idiotic or at best pathetic; but constant, virulent, lambent attention to money and its effects, and more authentic suggestions of sex than one hopes to see in American films.” —James Agee, The Nation (1945) “Crawford's secret was that she was believable both in pain and in charge.” —Donna Bowman, A.V. Club “An essential film noir, a fantastically crafted character study, and a moving study of parental weakness and responsibility.” —Christopher Machell, Cinevue
