<?xml version="1.0"?><ownershipDocument><schemaVersion>X0201</schemaVersion>    <documentType>4</documentType><periodOfReport>2003-10-06</periodOfReport><notSubjectToSection16>0</notSubjectToSection16><issuer><issuerCik>0000914713</issuerCik><issuerName>MILLS CORP</issuerName>        <issuerTradingSymbol>MLS</issuerTradingSymbol></issuer><reportingOwner><reportingOwnerId><rptOwnerCik>0001244802</rptOwnerCik><rptOwnerName>PARENT KENNETH R</rptOwnerName></reportingOwnerId><reportingOwnerAddress><rptOwnerStreet1>1300 WILSON BLVD., #400</rptOwnerStreet1><rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2><rptOwnerCity>ARLINGTON</rptOwnerCity><rptOwnerState>VA</rptOwnerState><rptOwnerZipCode>22209</rptOwnerZipCode><rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription></reportingOwnerAddress><reportingOwnerRelationship><isDirector>0</isDirector><isOfficer>1</isOfficer><isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner><isOther>0</isOther><officerTitle>Chief Operating 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Parent</signatureName><signatureDate>2003-10-07</signatureDate></ownerSignature></ownershipDocument>

