MovieChat Forums > Stella Dallas (1937) Discussion > When Stella gives up Lollie

When Stella gives up Lollie

posted 11 years ago by seahawk3133
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The part where Stella gives up her daughter for her own good - Yes, it ties the whole plot of the movie about social perception.

But, the problem I had was - isn't Lollie a bit old to where it was needed to be so dramatic? Lollie seemed like she was really close to being an adult at that point (unless I perceived her age wrong). So, if she is about to be an adult, she would probably move out to get married soon anyways. I feel it would have carried better weight if the daughter was 11-12 years old instead.

[–] rtw416 10 years ago

Lollie was coming of age when the wealthy present their daughters"Debutantes"into their social circle.Stella realized it.She started to realize it after her 16th bday and all the "regrets" not to attend because of her reputation.Laurel couldn't of been more than 18 and was more concerned for her mother being left to her own devices than being promoted as a product of the wealthy.So I think she just knew her mom too well and feared for exactly what would happen to her mom.The hysterics were because Stella pulled off that big con on her daughter-that she chose Ed over her-Stella wanted a better life for her daughter and knew the world they lived in wouldn't accept her.
How about Alan Hale? Was he great as Ed...wow