Stella Dallas marries a rich young man but separates due to his demands that she change. She leaves with their daughter, Laurel, in search of a better life, which she devotes entirely to her daughter. One day, she takes Laurel to an upmarket resort where Laurel befriends some rich kids. Stella realises that for Laurel to have a better life she must send her daughter back to live with her father and his new wife.