Bette Davis stars as Charlotte, an unwed mother who, out of financial need, gives her illegitimate child, Tina, to her scheming cousin (Miriam Hopkins). Posing as Tina's aunt, Charlotte is ignored by her own daughter but maintains a constant presence in the girl's life. Embittered by her old maid status, her daughter's constant dismissals and her cousin Delia's toxic meddling, Charlotte takes action when Tina comes of age. George Brent co-stars.