Fresh
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.
Emanuel Levy, Variety
Imitation of Life
THE DARING STORY OF MOTHER LOVE - On the Screen for the First Time!
1934 · 1h 51m · Approved
Drama, Romance
Directed by
John M. Stahl
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Imitation of Life
Overview
A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.
Director and cast
- John M. Stahl Director
- Claudette Colbert as Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman
- Louise Beavers as Delilah Johnson
- Warren William as Stephen 'Steve' Archer
- Rochelle Hudson as Jessie Pullman, Age 18
- Ned Sparks as Elmer Smith
- Fredi Washington as Peola Johnson, Age 19
- Juanita Quigley as Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3 (as Baby Jane)
- Alan Hale as Martin, the Furniture Man
- Henry Armetta Cast
- Wyndham Standing Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
88%
Tomatometer
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