It is 1938 and Veda (Evan Rachel Wood), now estranged from her mother, has become a successful singer in New York. Mildred (Kate Winslet) tries to get back in contact with her daughter, but Veda ignores her letters and phone calls. Mildred and Monty (Guy Pearce) plan to marry, and Monty invites Veda to sing at the wedding. At the wedding Mildred and Veda reconcile their differences. Mildred's restaurant in Laguna Beach is not successful and becomes a drain on Mildred's finances. Mildred turns to her successful and wealthy daughter for a loan. By 1940 life for Mildred has changed dramatically.moreless