Mildred Pierce (TV Mini Series) Part Three (2011) User Reviews

M.Pierce 1.3 Happy Days Aren't Here Again ***

[edwagreen · 8/10 · 3 April 2011]

While better than the first episode, this one is being held back because Kate Winslet is simply not for the part. There are weak emotional outbursts from her in her scenes with Veda. This version of Cain's classic pulls no punches. Immediately, we see a relationship evolving between Monte and the horrible Miss Veda.

The restaurant scenes are excellent. We get to the true grit of a chicken and pie restaurant. This is really marvelously staged.

We see the depression again emphasized with Mildred's endorsement of Roosevelt, while she castigates Hoover. As a working woman, Mildred, in this version, understands the plight of the worker.

Guy Pearce shows great acting depth as Monty. We see this especially in the scenes where he is able to give it back to her after her screaming match with him regarding Veda.

Burt Pierce is played much more with sympathy in this version. While Ida shows up at the grand opening of the restaurant and soon dons an apron, we miss the Eve Arden wise cracking in the 1945 classic.

Mildred's chicken and waffles

[jotix100 · 19 April 2011]

The death of Ray unites the family in their grief. Mildred's absence when the little girl was taken to the hospital weighs heavily on Mildred. Veda's questioning as to her whereabouts comes back to haunt her.

The restaurant is about to open its doors. Everything seems to be in place. The opening night proves to be hectic. After all, it is hard work for Mildred and her staff. Things begin to go wrong, but Ida, who has been invited, pitches in. The same goes for Lucy, who is there for the occasion. After the arrival of her two friends, things go smoothly. The people love the food and after all the receipts are counted, Mildred is pleased with the first night results.

The unexpected arrival of Monty with a box of flowers creates a momentary distraction. Veda, who has been in the dining room with her father, rushes to the kitchen to tell Mildred. It is a surprise for her as well, especially since she did not invite Monty to the opening. There is a tense moment as Mildred tries to tell everyone how she knew Monty.

After the opening there is a celebration at Mildred's house. Monty, who also comes along, delights the people with his presence. No one is more excited about it than Veda. The playboy realizing Veda's piano aspirations, recommends Mildred take the girl to a teacher he knows. The day of the audition comes and Veda plays the piece she has studied, but makes a fool of herself in the eyes of the piano instructor.

Mildred relationship with Monty gets hot and heavy. The sexual aspect of it is what keeps them coming for more. They are great lovers without inhibitions. Monty is clearly penniless; he even suggests he is a sort of gigolo for taking money from Mildred. She on the other hand is getting a bit fed up for being the one supporting him.

Christmas day shows Mildred and Veda opening their presents. Bert's gift was a pair of riding boots, something that made a hit with Veda. She turns her nose when she opens the wrist watch her mother has given her. Veda shows a side of her nasty personality as she berates Mildred for still living in Glendale, an unfashionable place, as far as she is concerned. Mother and daughter have a fight as this chapter ends.

Todd Haynes, the director, working with Jon and Jonathan Raymond, shows an affinity to the James Cain novel they adapted for the screen. Mr. Haynes' style pays close attention to the era in which the story takes place. There is a charged sexual undercurrent in Mildred and Monty's encounters. Nothing is left to the imagination in this version, as a nude Monty, seen from behind disrobes Mildred.

Kate Winslet makes a good Mildred. Guy Pearce is wonderful as the playboy who sees a meal ticket in Mildred. Young Morgan Turner has a great moment in a fight with her mother. These three actors have the meatier parts in the third installment of the series. Melissa Leo, Bryan O'Byrne, James LeGros, Mare Winningham, are seen in supporting roles.