Imitation of Life (1934) (1934)
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100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
86% of users liked it
(4,389 ratings)
The first of two film version of Fannie Hurst's novel, 1934's Imitation of Life chronicles the friendship between two women--one white (Claudette Colbert), one black (Louise Beavers). Colbert is a widow with a baby daughter who hires Beavers, who also has a daughter, as a housekeeper.… More The first of two film version of Fannie Hurst's novel, 1934's Imitation of Life chronicles the friendship between two women--one white (Claudette Colbert), one black (Louise Beavers). Colbert is a widow with a baby daughter who hires Beavers, who also has a daughter, as a housekeeper. Colbert is a working girl who yearns to operate her own business, which she does thanks to Beavers' special pancake recipe. A family friend (Ned Sparks) suggests that the ladies form a corporation to merchandise the "Aunt Delilah" pancake mix, and within ten years both women are quite wealthy. Colbert's relationship with her teenaged daughter (Rochelle Hudson) is strained when both ladies vie for the attentions of the same man, but these problems are minor compared to the travails of Beavers, who not only must deal with the De Facto segregation of the 1930s but must also contend with her restless daughter (Fredi Washington), who resents being an African-American and attempts to pass for white. The heartbroken Beavers dies, and at her funeral her now-chastened daughter weeps out her apologies for turning her back on her mother. Imitation of Life was remade in 1959, its story glamorized and updated to accommodate star Lana Turner. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- John M. Stahl
- Written By
- Fannie Hurst, William Hurlbut
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1934 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Studios
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, Variety
Made at the height of the Depression, John Stahl's Oscar-nominated melodrama prided itself for its liberal views, but even then the racial angle and Louise Beavers' acting were controversial.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Though it doesn't fully explore the racial issues it raises as fully as it could have, for its time it was daring and courageous.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Unashamedly a soap opera, but it's not only an excellent example of that too easily dismissed form -- it's a soap opera with an agenda.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Claudette Colbert
as Beatrice "Bea" Pullman
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Warren William
as Stephen Archer
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Rochelle Hudson
as Jessie at 18
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Ned Sparks
as Elmer
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Louise Beavers
as Delilah Johnson
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Fredi Washington
as Peola at 19
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Alan Hale
as Martin Furniture Man
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Marilyn Knowlden
as Jessie at 8
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Sebie Hendricks
as Peola Johnson at 4
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Dorothy Black
as Peola at 9
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Clarence H. Wilson
as Landlord
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Henry Armetta
as Painter
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Henry Kolker
as Dr. Preston
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Alice Ardell
as French Maid
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Tyler Brooke
as Tipsy Man
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Joyce Compton
as Woman
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William B. Davidson
as Man
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Noel Francis
as Mrs. Eden
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G.P. Huntley
as Man at Party
- Hattie McDaniel
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Baby Jane Holzer
as Jessie Pullman at 3
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Lenita Lane
as Mrs. Dale
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Claire McDowell
as Teacher
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Barry Norton
as Young Man
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Franklin Pangborn
as Mr. Carven
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Paul Porcasi
as Restaurant Manager
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Juanita Quigley
as Jessie Pullman Age 3
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Wyndham Standing
as Butler
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Mme. Sul Te Wan
as Cook
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Alma Tell
as Mrs. Carven
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Fred 'Snowflake' Toones
as Bits at Funeral
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Walter Walker
as Hugh
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William Austin
as Englishman
- Dennis O'Keefe
- Seble Hendricks
