Bette Midler stars in the title role of "Stella," a 1990's update of two previous tearjerkers. Brassy barmaid Stella Claire charms the pants off blueblood Stephen Dallas, and eventually they have a child. Because of their different values and personalities, Stella and Stephen do not marry. She, however, decides to raise their daughter, Jenny, by herself. Although the feisty mother and Jenny have a warm, if sometimes tense, relationship, Stella realizes she must give away her girl to a wealthy man if Jenny is to enjoy all that life has to offer. This, however, would mean parting company with her lovely daughter.