Mildred Pierce (or Mildred Pierced—whichever is the intended reference)

¶ … film Mildred, the character, Mildred, is seen undergoing marital difficulties as her husband leaves her to raise their two children alone. This is consistent with the position of women in the society during that period. Women were perceived as 'lesser beings' in the society, they did not have to possess any positive character or quality to enhance their status in the society other than beauty. In Mildred, after Mildred's separation with her husband, Wally Fay, is seen making passes at her and subsequently introduces her to Monte, a realtor. Monte on the other hand gets sexually involved with her. It is interesting to note that Monte might have just wanted to take advantage of her, in of their conversations; Mildred tells him that all she ever has been to him is a piece of tail and that he appears ashamed of her. She goes on to say that, it's no surprise to her as she has known all along that he looks down on her because she is a worker although he would not admit it.

According to Mulvey, Hollywood cinemas were made for men and the sole role of women stars was to be looked at in a sexual way. The film directors at this time looked at the films from a male point-of-view, making the female character a spectacle. This theory is supported in Mildred Pierce, where Bert, Mildred's husband is busy hooking on Maggie Binderhof instead of focusing on his family. It is an interesting twist of issues as women use their femininity to achieve their desires. Veda takes advantage of her beauty and age, giving herself to Ted Forrester, pretending to be impregnated by him and in turn seeking 10,000 dollars. To make things worse, when Veda agrees to come back home after her mother agrees to share the business, she gets into a compromising relationship with Monte. The cast in this film reinforce the perception of the society during this period they truly communicate the then dominant ideology.

(II) Robert Allen's argument that in the 40's women in Hollywood films were constructed to be stars by the studios as well as the people is true. The all American woman figure was to be a liberated woman well modeled to take on life's challenges as well as standing up for what is right. The film studios at this time played a major role in shaping people's perception of what a woman should be. During this period, women were reserved and remained at the background of the scenes dominated by men where most were home markers. As much as Classic Hollywood cinema played a role in reducing women to objects of beauty and spectacle, they also contributed to women's emancipation from social and political chains, but at a cost.