Who played the title role in the 1945 film 'Mildred Pierce'?

Joan Crawford played the title role in the 1945 film Mildred Pierce.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, Mildred Pierce is a combination of melodrama and film noir based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel. Crawford plays a determined mother who builds a successful restaurant business while trying to satisfy her demanding daughter, Veda. The role gave Crawford a dramatic showcase centered on ambition, sacrifice, class, and family conflict.

The film marked Crawford’s first starring role for Warner Bros. after she left Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She actively campaigned for the part, even though the role required her to play a mother of a teenage daughter—an age-related characterization that had discouraged several other actresses. Curtiz initially doubted her suitability but approved her after seeing her screen test.

Crawford’s performance won the Academy Award for Best Actress, making Mildred Pierce a defining film of her career. A common mix-up is the 2011 HBO miniseries, which starred Kate Winslet as Mildred. The 1945 theatrical film also features Ann Blyth as Veda and Eve Arden as Mildred’s friend Ida.