IMDb >
Imitation of Life (1934)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsImitation of Life (1934) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
26 November 1934 (USA) moreTagline:
Brought Back to thrill you again! Fannie Hurst's stirring drama of a mother and a daughter in love with the same man. (re-release) morePlot:
Bea Pullman and her daughter Jessie have had a hard time making ends meet since Bea's husband died. Help comes in the form of Delilah Johnson... more | full synopsisPlot Keywords:
moreAwards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win moreUser Comments:
Box it! more (47 total)Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Claudette Colbert | ... | Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman | |
| Warren William | ... | Stephen 'Steve' Archer | |
| Rochelle Hudson | ... | Jessie Pullman, Age 18 | |
| Ned Sparks | ... | Elmer Smith | |
| Louise Beavers | ... | Delilah Johnson | |
| Fredi Washington | ... | Peola Johnson, Age 19 | |
| Juanita Quigley | ... | Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3 (as Baby Jane) | |
| Alan Hale | ... | Martin, the Furniture Man | |
| Henry Armetta | ... | The Painter | |
| Wyndham Standing | ... | Jarvis, Beatrice's Butler |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
111 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)Certification:
USA:Approved (PCA #412)Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Although cast as the daughter of Louise Beavers (Delilah), 'Fredi Washington' (Peola, age 19) was in reality less than two years younger than her onscreen mother. She was, however, considerably slimmer than the matronly Beavers, which enabled the pair to "pass" as mother and daughter. moreQuotes:
Delilah Johnson: What's my baby want?Peola Johnson, Age 19: I want to be white, like I look.
Delilah Johnson: Peola!
Peola Johnson, Age 19: [gesturing to mirror] Look at me. Am I not white? Isn't that a white girl?
more
Soundtrack:
Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (47 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Imitation of Life (1934) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Imitation of Life | Gone with the Wind | The Notebook | Giant | Romeo + Juliet |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |

"Imitation of Life", the 1934 version, reflected the attitude in the country toward blacks. This movie wouldn't have had a chance of being made in the present climate of political correctness. This movie shows how Hollywood dealt with the racial issues back in those years. John Stahl directed the film, which stands in stark contrast with the Douglas Sirk's take in 1959 which presents a glossier vision of the Fanny Hurst novel, in which it's based.
Between the two versions, this one seems to make more sense, in spite of the incredible jump from rags to riches Bea Pullman experiences. Claudette Colbert makes Bea more accessible to us, in contrast with Lana Turner's blonde goddess looks. This Bea Pullman is easier to take because the way she makes her money by going into business, capitalizing on Delilah's idea about the marketing the perfect blend for pancakes.
Warren William plays Steve Archer, the man who falls in love with Bea while not suspecting the effect he causes in young Jessie, Bea's daughter. Louise Beavers is Delilah; she is made to speak broken English to show her ignorance, which was the thing expected every time black characters were shown in movies of that period. Ms. Beavers' role was made bigger in the 1959 remake, but Juanita Moore, who played the part, was not subjected to her predecessor's fate. Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks and Fredi Washington round up the supporting cast.