Certainly very dramatic, but it is also extremely entertaining. I cannot help but imagine what the men who just came back from the War would have felt about Mildred's character in the film. The portrayal of Mildred is also entertaining, much like the woman who were thrusted into work in the 40's, Joan Crawford's character is also thrown into the world of business. The theme of gender reversal in the movie is apparent, so is the symbolic representation of each character, all of which are well represented. Veda is perhaps the most snobbish character anyone can ever find. Despite all the social issues Mildred Pierce tries to address, it is all embodied within a well constructed and enthralling story.