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Imitation of Life (1934)
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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 synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win moreUser Comments:
It Was Nice to See the Original moreCast
(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:
Fredi Washington (Peola, Aged 19) was a light-skinned African-American. After playing this role, she was criticized by some in the black community who labored under the misconception that the actress herself practiced self-hatred and would rather 'pass' herself off as white. Ms. Washington was, in fact, an avid civil rights activist. moreSoundtrack:
There's No Place Like Home (Home, Sweet Home) moreFAQ
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Although I liked the remake with Lana Turner, it does not compare with the original. The remake represents a slicker Hollywood formulaic version, yet, I really liked Juanita Moore's heartfelt performance in the 1959 version.
Some may find it was hard to believe that a Beatrice (Cobert) in the 30's could make money from a Delilah's (Beavers) secret recipe. It would have been quite a challenge (but, not impossible) for Delilah; a poor, black woman the 30's to make a fortune as a business woman! Also, people make fortunes on other people ideas all the time.
This is a well done soap opera. The cast was excellent. Not a beat was skipped in this movie. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see the original. I also think it was a brave move for the 30's. One of my favorite scenes was when at the end of their "girl talk," Beatrice goes upstairs and Delilah goes downstairs to the servant's quarters. That scene said it all. In spite of the fact that these two women were good friends and loved each other, they did not have equal status because of the color of their skin.