I am a huge Joan Crawford fan - - unapologetically so - - and while I love all her films for different reasons, Mildred Pierce ranks right up there in my book.
Something I never picked up in watching the film (repeatedly) myself is that while the Glendale home shown in the exterior is a one story (see above), the interior sets show a lovely staircase leading to the upper floor bedrooms. The wrought iron railing is to die for.
Note that the sofa is on bricks -- apparently it was too low for the cameraman or director.
You can see a bit of the fireplace in the first still below, which looks to be exquisite with some ornate detailing.
Despite what Veda thinks (because she's a spoiled jerk), I love the period details of this set. The arched doorways are fab and even in black and white, you can see the textured walls. I love the little arched niche by the front door. Would you put anything there? My grandmother used to have a table very much like the one Mildred is storing books on by the doorway (see second and larger photo.)
It is interesting that Veda is so embarrassed by this house, which today would be considered a fabulous, historical house. Even in the thirties, which is when I believe the book took place, or 1945, when the film took place, this residence isn't shabby. I would pack up and take it in a hot minute.
