Imitation of Life (1934)

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 Between Women | Race Relations | Friendship Between Girls | Single Parent | Female Bonding

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:

Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3: I want my quack-quack!

Movie Connections:

Version of Anneler ve kizlari (1971)

Soundtrack:

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

Yes, it is a classic

I hope this film will be restored and put on DVD soon. It is a classic and a worthy addition to the film buff's library. Imitation of Life is not a perfect film, but considering that it was made in 1934, it deserves recognition. The film tells of two women, one white one black. Each has a daughter. Single moms and interracial friendships in 1934? Yes, it is true that the black woman, Delilah is subservient, but this is true to the times and she should not be criticized for it. Both these woman want a better life for their daughters and work together to do so. It is a sad, but realistic fact that neither daughter is happy with the better life. Delilah's daughter is very light-skinned and wants to pass for white for she knows in this era that the only opportunities are for whites. The later version starring Lana Turner is a poor substitute for this one. Lana tends to over act and the friendship between the two women is severely downplayed. It is true that in this film the camera seems to pause on the actors' faces over long, but this I think is a holdover from the silent film era when acting had to be done by facial expression instead of voice.

While this film is flawed it is a good film for young people in that it shows the changes made in our society both for single moms and for blacks.