‘Mildred Pierce’ premiere

“Mildred Pierce,” the new HBO mini-series based on James M. Cain’s 1941 cult novel (which memorably became a 1954 movie staring Joan Crawford), casts Kate WInslet, center, as the titular character trying to make it all in her post-divorce, post-Great Depression Southern California world. Guy Pearce, left, plays Mildred’s new flame, Monty Beragon, while Todd Haynes, right, directed the project. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

March 21, 2011 8:43 AM PT

Kate Winslet stars in this mini-series about a single mother and scandalous! divorcee trying to earn a living and her daughter’s respect during the Great Depression. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

Evan Rachel Wood, decked in an Elie Saab gown and peep-toe platform shoes, arrives at the premiere of her HBO mini-series, “Mildred Pierce.” She plays Mildred’s disgusted daughter, Veda Pierce (played by Ann Blyth in the 1954 movie). (Stephen Lovekin /Getty Images)

Despite what his last name suggests, Guy Pearce, left, actually plays Mildred Pierce’s second husband, Monty Beragon. He poses with his on-screen wife, Kate Winslet. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

Recent Oscar winner Melissa Leo plays Mildred’s friend Lucy Gessler. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” actress Mariska Hargitay (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

Quinn McColgan plays Mildred Pierce’s young daughter Ray. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

“Mercy” actor James LeGros, who also appears in the mini-series. (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

Mare Winningham plays Mildred Pierce’s friend Ida Corwin (played by Eve Arden in the 1945 film). (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

“Mildred Pierce” actors, from left: Quinn McColgan (who plays Mildred’s young daughter Ray), Morgan Turner, who plays the younger version of Evan Rachel Wood‘s Veda Pierce Mildred’s other daughter), and Brian O’Byrne (who plays their father, Bert Pierce). (Evan Agostini / Associated Press)