A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.

Claudette Colbert
as Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman

Louise Beavers
as Delilah Johnson

Warren William
as Stephen 'Steve' Archer

Rochelle Hudson
as Jessie Pullman, Age 18

Ned Sparks
as Elmer Smith

Fredi Washington
as Peola Johnson, Age 19

Juanita Quigley
as Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3

Alan Hale
as Martin the Furniture Man

Henry Armetta
as The Painter

Wyndham Standing
as Beatrice's Butler Jarvis