Stella Dallas
Performance & Direction: Stella Dallas Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Stella Dallas (1937) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stella Dallas features a noteworthy lineup led by Barbara Stanwyck . Supported by the likes of John Boles and Anne Shirley , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Stella Dallas (1937) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Stella Dallas
Quick Plot Summary: Stella Dallas is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Stella Dallas
Ending Breakdown: Stella Dallas concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stella Dallas reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stella Dallas?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: Stella Dallas
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Where to Watch Stella Dallas Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreFandango At HomeStella Dallas Parents Guide & Age Rating
1937 AdvisoryWondering about Stella Dallas age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Stella Dallas is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, Stella Dallas stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1937 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stella Dallas worth watching?
Stella Dallas is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Stella Dallas parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Stella Dallas identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Stella Dallas?
The total duration of Stella Dallas is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.
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Critic Reviews for Stella Dallas
Barbara Stanwyck is the ambitious, working class "Stella" who, determined to improve her lot in life, marries well-to-do "Stephen Dallas" (John Boles) and shortly afterwards they have a daughter "Laurel" (Anne Shirley). It doesn't take long before the couple become estranged and "Laurel" the sole focus of her mother's attentions. Nothing is too good for her, and in striving to give "Laurel" the best she gradually realises - sometimes, by some rather harsh means - that she herself may be standing in the way of the girl's happiness; particularly once her now ex-husband finds love elsewhere with a family her daughter adores. The performances deal well with the issues of ambition, devotion, snobbery and emotional cruelty and Stanwyck plays the title role with skill and sincerity. Alan Hale is also good, as the avuncular gambler, in this ultimately rather touching story.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
