Imitation of Life (1934)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

John M. Stahl

Writers:

Fannie Hurst (novel)
William Hurlbut (screenplay)

Release Date:

26 November 1934 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

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)

Plot:

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...

Plot Keywords:

Friendship | Housekeeper | Passing For White | Pancake | Race Relations

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win

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

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #412)

Company:

Universal Pictures

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.

Quotes:

Delilah Johnson: [to Peola] Bow your head! You got to learn to take it!

Movie Connections:

Version of Anneler ve kizlari (1971)

Soundtrack:

There's No Place Like Home (Home, Sweet Home)

It Was Nice to See the Original

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.