Kate Winslet Stars in HBO Depression Era Mni-series Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslet, (The Titanic, The Reader) is a HBO mini-series set during the Prohibition and Depression Era. Winslet stars as the title character in this portrayal of a woman who is forced to to provide for her family during tough economic times.

The Great Depression of the 1930s was an era where people could not find work. Many people lost their homes and had to stand in bread lines just to survive. During the 1930s, women were not as common in the workplace as they are now. Women became more commonly seen in the workplace during the 1940s, when the men went off to World War II and women worked in the factories.

The story of Mildred Pierce is not the story of breadlines, although that economic reality exists in their world, and the threat of hunger looms. Mildred Pierce (Kate Winslet) is a home maker with an unemployed, cheating spouse, who deserts the family. Left with two daughters to support, Pierce is forced to get out of her comfort zone and find a means to make money.

Following the advice of her best friend, Mildred considers becoming kept woman when her husband's former business partner shows interest, but that plan fails. Mildred finds the few jobs that she qualifies for, such as being a housekeeper or waitress, demeaning. When she finally gets an interview for a position as a housekeeper, she is offended by the behavior of her potential employer and storms out. Later, she happens upon a job as a waitress, and eventually becomes a businesswoman. She still struggles in her personal life, particularly in her relationship with her difficult daughter and the indolent men in her life.

The story of Mildred Pierce starts in 1930 and covers a time span of about 10 years, including the historic eras of the Prohibition, Depression and early war years. The number of people who can actually recall these important eras is dwindling, but it is important to pay attention to the historic events and their effects upon people.

The modern era is a time when people are feeling the despair of tough economic times. Home foreclosures are high and the reality of losing a home is very real to people, who. through no fault of their own, find themselves unemployed or underemployed. The government has made promises, but the reality is that people are finding very little economic relief and are suffering stress and anxiety.

The story of Mildred Pierce may have elements that a modern audience can relate to and learn from, but it is ultimately a tragic tale. Viewers might find some motivation to adapt to changing circumstances and recreate themselves to a changing environment. Mildred Pierce is a flawed character who has some admirable qualities, but whose personal relationships can become her downfall.

Mildred Pierce is set in the decade following the HBO hit Boardwalk Empire, which starts in 1920, at the dawn of the Prohibition Era. Steve Buscemi portrays Atlantic City Treasurer Nucky Thomson, based on the real life character Nucky Johnson. Nucky has a mistress who was in the same situation as Mildred Pierce, but who found a way to survive by becoming the mistress of a rich man.