There are several problems with this film.
The most obvious -- and the one that has been mentioned in many viewer reviews -- is how oblivious the character of Stella Dallas is with regard to the way she dresses, speaks, etc (especially in the second half of the film). She seems to make classy/simple dresses for her daughter! Stella becomes much MORE "low class" as the film progresses, which doesn't make much sense either. Her aspirations in the beginning of the film are essentially the opposite - she's taking a class, she tells John Boles (Stephen, the father) that she wants to change, etc.
Another issue is why it seems to appear that Stella and her daughter are, while not living in squalor, certainly not living as well as the father. Why is that? Not only does Stella work, but her husband provides for them as well. There's no reason to think Stella blows all the money on partying (she doesn't even drink). You would think Stella (and the father) would want to bring her daughter up in a nicer environment.
Stanwyck's performance is good - it always is. But....the whole affair is pretty ridiculous toward the end and I can't honestly say "wow, this is worth seeing just for her acting".
On the other hand: Some reviewers took issue with the family that the daughter ends up with - they are rich snobs, elitist. Well, they may be rich, but there is nothing in the film that shows them to be snobbish. Perhaps Stephen is embarrassed by Stella, but why wouldn't he be? She's a caricature. The rest of his new family are well behaved and the new "mother" is very nice. The rich kids make fun of Stella, but that's not so much of a stretch. I suppose the new family doesn't seem particularly interesting or intelligent and perhaps modern viewers don't really relate to the concept of giving your kids more than what you had (it made a more sense to audiences 75 years ago). I think it's maybe just a little dated now and that effects the enjoyment (but not really the quality) of the film.
And of course....the self sacrifice in the end does not seem necessary (as many other reviews state as well).
The most obvious -- and the one that has been mentioned in many viewer reviews -- is how oblivious the character of Stella Dallas is with regard to the way she dresses, speaks, etc (especially in the second half of the film). She seems to make classy/simple dresses for her daughter! Stella becomes much MORE "low class" as the film progresses, which doesn't make much sense either. Her aspirations in the beginning of the film are essentially the opposite - she's taking a class, she tells John Boles (Stephen, the father) that she wants to change, etc.
Another issue is why it seems to appear that Stella and her daughter are, while not living in squalor, certainly not living as well as the father. Why is that? Not only does Stella work, but her husband provides for them as well. There's no reason to think Stella blows all the money on partying (she doesn't even drink). You would think Stella (and the father) would want to bring her daughter up in a nicer environment.
Stanwyck's performance is good - it always is. But....the whole affair is pretty ridiculous toward the end and I can't honestly say "wow, this is worth seeing just for her acting".
On the other hand: Some reviewers took issue with the family that the daughter ends up with - they are rich snobs, elitist. Well, they may be rich, but there is nothing in the film that shows them to be snobbish. Perhaps Stephen is embarrassed by Stella, but why wouldn't he be? She's a caricature. The rest of his new family are well behaved and the new "mother" is very nice. The rich kids make fun of Stella, but that's not so much of a stretch. I suppose the new family doesn't seem particularly interesting or intelligent and perhaps modern viewers don't really relate to the concept of giving your kids more than what you had (it made a more sense to audiences 75 years ago). I think it's maybe just a little dated now and that effects the enjoyment (but not really the quality) of the film.
And of course....the self sacrifice in the end does not seem necessary (as many other reviews state as well).