Stella and Stephen become estranged, but they are amicable. They both adore their daughter Laurel, and really try to make the best decisions on her behalf. While Stephen is involved in Laurel’s life, Stella is effectively raising her as a single mom. Stella labors over beautifully handmade dresses for Laurel, who is a polite, eager and appreciative child. Stella has raised a beautiful daughter in Laurel, both inside and out, and Laurel quickly makes friends, many of whom come from upper class families. The difference in social class doesn’t appear to affect Laurel, until she overhears her friends making cruel comments about Stella’s garish make-up and over-accessorized, loud clothing. Stella soon realizes that her way of life and her uneducated, blue-collar upbringing, is standing in the way of Laurel’s future. She makes the difficult decision to sacrifice everything to guarantee her daughter’s happiness–and does so without Laurel’s knowledge. A selfless gift to a daughter from a mother whose love knows no limits.
Melodrama is duty: “A mother’s sacrifice in ‘Stella Dallas’ (1937)”
