On March 27th, HBO debuted the first two parts of a brand new miniseries, Mildred Pierce, based on the classic James M. Cain novel. Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven) directs, and Kate Winslet leads a cast that also includes Guy Pearce, Evan Rachel Wood, Mare Winningham, and Melissa Leo.
James M. Cain’s Mildred Pierce was first published in 1941. In 1945, it was adapted into a movie with Joan Crawford playing Mildred and with Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) at the helm. Although an excellent film in its own right (not to mention a classic film noir), Curtiz’ film took liberties with the source material, emphasizing the novel’s more violent elements and reframing the story as a murder mystery told in flashback. Haynes’ new adaptation sticks closer to Cain’s book, allowing the tension between Mildred and her daughter Veda to take center stage. In this clip from the second episode—with dialogue taken straight from the page—we begin to see the growing rift in the family as Mildred and a young Veda argue.
The third episode will air on April 3rd, and the fourth and fifth episodes will air on April 10th. Check local listings for exact airtimes. For more information about the film, click here to visit HBO’s website. For more information about the book and to read an excerpt, click here.