Based on Olive Prouty's novel, a woman quickly marries a wealthy
man; but they separate, and she tries to raise her daughter as
best she can.
In 1919 Stella (Barbara Stanwyck) argues with her brother Charlie
(George Walcott), who works in a mill. Stella takes a lunch to
meet Stephen Dallas (John Boles), who takes her out and kisses
her. They marry and have a baby girl. Stella wants to go out and
dances with Ed Munn (Alan Hale). Stephen is perturbed and asks
Stella to give up some things. Stephen moves to New York for his
work, but Stella refuses to go with him. While Ed is visiting
Stella, Stephen comes home and wants to have the girl with him.
Stephen is buying a present for 13-year-old Laurel when he meets
Helen Morrison (Barbara O'Neil) and her three sons. Miss Phillibrown
(Ann Shoemaker) asks Stella if Laurel can go to museums with her.
Stella is making a dress for Laurel (Anne Shirley). Ed comes in
and teases Laurel, who runs out. Stella is on a train with Ed,
who spreads itch powder and laughs. Miss Phillibrown and her friend
object to Stella's behavior. Stella and her maid have a birthday
party prepared for Laurel; but they are disappointed when Miss
Phillibrown and others do not come. Laurel visits her father and
Mrs. Morrison. Laurel enjoys a nice party with the sons and others.
Laurel goes home, and Stella invites Ed for dinner. Laurel tells
her mother that Mrs. Morrison is a rich and beautiful widow. Ed
comes over drunk with a turkey, and Stephen arrives with Christmas
presents. Stella pushes Ed out and gets dressed up for Stephen,
who asks if Laurel can spend the holiday at Mrs. Morrison's. Stella
agrees but hopes for more time. Ed comes back, and Stephen decides
to leave right away with Laurel.
A lawyer tells Stella that Stephen wants a divorce, but Stella
does not. Laurel has fun at a resort with Richard (Tim Holt),
who gives her his fraternity pin. Stella wears a gaudy dress and
looks for Richard's mother, but people laugh about her. Laurel
realizes it is Stella and runs off. Laurel tells her mother she
wants to go home. On the train Stella overhears the girls talking
about her, and Laurel tries to comfort her mother. Stella calls
on Mrs. Morrison and asks if she wants to marry Stephen and take
care of Laurel. Mrs. Morrison says that Stella is unselfish. Stella
says goodbye to Laurel. Mrs. Morrison welcomes Laurel to her new
home; but Laurel says she could not leave her mother, who needs
her. Stephen tells her that Stella wanted this, but Laurel wants
to be with her mother. Stella gets a telegram from Mrs. Morrison
and goes to Ed, telling him to take a bath and come over. Stella
finds Laurel at home, says she is seeing Ed, and tells her to
run along. Laurel goes back to her father and Mrs. Morrison crying
and showing them a letter from Stella about marrying Ed. Richard
comes to see Laurel. At Laurel's wedding Stella watches from outside
in the rain and smiles.
Clashing social values and tastes place the unsophisticated
mother in a challenging dilemma, but she proves her love for her
daughter by letting her go on to the life she wants.