the original with barbara stanwyk be save only by stanwyk performance . the story and the other performance be too sickeningly sweet and the film itself be too date to be really enjoy today . bette midler version be much more interesting . she be stella claire and an independent and free spirit single woman who get pregnant and refuse help from her boyfriend ( stephen collins ) or her friend ( john goodman in an underrated performance ) . she raise her daughter jenny play so sweetly by trini alvarado and then come to the conclusion that jenny father can do good for her and ultimately make a life alter decision . through out the film and there be plenty of laugh and tear and memorable moment mostly between midler and alvarado . marsha mason co star a jenny would be stepmother and who though wealthy turn out to be a very good influence on her . if you like midler and goodman or just good film with plenty of emotion you will enjoy bette midler version of stella .