B.F.'s Daughter Ending Explained: Wealthy Polly Fulton marries a progressive scholar whose attitudes toward capitalism and acquired wealth puts their marriage in jeopardy. Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, this 1948 drama film stars Barbara Stanwyck (Pauline 'Polly' Fulton Brett), alongside Van Heflin as Thomas W. 'Tom' Brett, Charles Coburn as Burton F. 'B.F.' Fulton, Richard Hart as Robert S. 'Bob' Tasmin III. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of B.F.'s Daughter?

Wealthy Polly Fulton marries a progressive scholar whose attitudes toward capitalism and acquired wealth puts their marriage in jeopardy.

How Does Barbara Stanwyck (Pauline 'Polly' Fulton Brett)'s Story End?

  • Barbara Stanwyck: Barbara Stanwyck's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Van Heflin (Thomas W. 'Tom' Brett): Van Heflin's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Charles Coburn (Burton F. 'B.F.' Fulton): Charles Coburn's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of B.F.'s Daughter Mean?

B.F.'s Daughter's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Barbara Stanwyck may feel rushed. Robert Z. Leonard's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.