Trama

In the wake of a family tragedy, Mildred throws herself into her work with great success, but Monty's closeness with Veda bothers her.

After her youngest daughter's funeral, Mildred concentrates on opening her new restaurant. Opening night is a smashing success and even Veda seems to approve. It's all a little too busy for a first night but friends come to the rescue. When Monty Beragon shows up, she learns that he is quite a well-known personality. Veda is quite taken with him. Monty recommends a new music teacher for Veda and Mildred decides to start saving to buy her a proper piano. With the repeal of prohibition, neighbor Lucy suggests that Mildred opens a bar in the restaurant. Veda, not happy with the wristwatch her mother gave her for Christmas, rebels. Mildred blames Monty for turning Veda against her.—garykmcd

1931-1933: In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Mildred moves forward with preparations for her new chicken-and-pie restaurant. After a slow start on opening night, the restaurant fills to capacity, and Mildred gladly welcomes Ida - her former fellow waitress at the diner - to help manage the frenzy. Among the guests is Monty, who wastes no time reacquainting himself with Mildred, and impressing Veda with his refined stature. At Montyʼs suggestion, Mildred hires a new piano teacher for Veda, but is unable to buy her a new piano when the repeal of prohibition forces her to add a bar to the restaurant. As Veda grows resentful, Mildred chafes at the indolent Monty and his extravagant lifestyle, culminating in an emotional New Yearʼs Eve faceoff.—HBO Publicity