This was Joan Crawford's finest acting performance by far. After leaving MGM, this was her big comeback film that she fought hard to get and it shows in this performance. She really gives it her all and she hands down earned her Oscar as a woman who does everything to try and win over her daughter who is just plain rotten and horrible (Ann Blyth is ruthless as Veda; the casting and chemistry between her and Joan are perfect. They really do look like mother-daughter). You can't help but feel frustrated and sad for Mildred as [spoiler] she gets screwed over time and time again by Monte and Veda, when all she did was selflessly work her ass off making an honest living and sacrificing everything, including her own happiness and dignity for her daughter's love, when at the end of the day, her daughter doesn't deserve her [/spoiler]. I enjoyed this movie, tho I think it would have been even juicier had there been no production code. Nevertheless, it's a classic that everyone should see especially for the standout performances of Ann Blyth and Joan Crawford, in particular.