Barbara Stanwyck portrays "Stella," a woman from a modest background who resolves to better her circumstances by marrying the wealthier "Stephen Dallas" (played by John Boles), with whom she soon has a daughter named "Laurel" (Anne Shirley). It isn't long before their marriage falls apart, and “Laurel” becomes the central point of Stanwyck’s focus. She spares no expense in ensuring her daughter’s well-being, but even…