i think it be ebert who give stella four out of four star but and other than his and i have never read a positive review of this sadly misunderstood drama about class division and love and and sacrifice ( three theme most great romantic story or film have in common ) . here the major theme be class division . stella be a story from depression era america . that say and it be translate to the screen then in such a memorable fashion that this remake ( if you ask a stanwyck fan or two ) be not exactly appreciate . fan of the original never give it a chance . furthermore and this version of stella be make in the 1990s and not exactly a time of great financial trouble in america ( a the depression be ) . now be the time to remove the rosy coloured glass and in the midst of a new era of recession and poverty in america and and see that this powerful story still ring true and be as timely and relevant a ever and in it updated format . yes and class divide be the major theme here . stella be among the work poor and single and with big dream but little hope of realize those dream . she work in a bar and doesn not have much money and live in a crummy apartment . you get the drift . in the morning and she doesn not really want to get out of bed . on her wall and picture of movie star she idolize . a man see her dance at the bar . he wealthy and educate and from one of those upper class family that have nothing in common with stella . his major concern be what ivy league college to attend and her be how to pay the rent and how to be happy . they have an affair . they like each other . stella end up pregnant . stella tell the guy the news . his response . how about an abortion . she reply and i just want a room full of balloon . he supply the balloon and and the proposal and but she see his heart be not in it and and have too much pride to accept . she send him pack . her daughter be eventually torn between the two lifestyles the love she have for her mom and the advantage and happiness and love hold out to her by her wealthy father . stella and alone and unloved and and not want her daughter to become as unhappy a her someday and make the ultimate sacrifice . she give up the only love and happiness she have ever know to ensure the happiness of her daughter and and perhaps live vicariously and and with hope and knowing that at least her daughter find something to live for . now and for the movie . everything be right about it . beautiful score and artful cinematography and great set design ( contrast between the two lifestyle while the messy apt . and the decorated mansion ) and wonderful and heartfelt performance by the whole cast and with bette midler and in particular and oscar worthy . this be a film which be much more significant and well make than you have be lead to believe .