Mildred Pierce (1945)

Michael Curtiz directs this 1940s classic based on the novel by James M. Cain. Joan Crawford stars as Mildred Pierce, a struggling mother and wife whose husband Bert (Bruce Bennett) seeks affection in the arms of another. When the couple decide to separate, Mildred is left to raise their daughters alone. As the money begins to dry up, Mildred decides to open up a restaurant and with the help and advice of Wally Fay (Jack Carson), she finds a suitable property and begins her transformation.