imitation of life cast 1934
At times [Imitation of Life] moves with rapidity from merriment to pathos. 25 of 32 people found this review helpful. On the surface, you have Colbert in a charming role as a self-made woman who makes it to the top with pluck, ambition, and a secret pancake recipe she gets from a maid. Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman. This glamorized remake of the 1934 film Imitation of Life bears only a passing resemblance to its source, the best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst. Imitation of Life is the second film adaptation of Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same name; the first, directed by John M. Stahl, was released in 1934.
, This is probably one of the first films that dealt with race relations in this country. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Bea Pullman and her daughter Jessie have had a hard time making ends meet since Bea's husband died. In early 19th Century France an ex-convict who failed to report to parole is relentlessly pursued over a 20 year period by an obsessive policeman. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Claudette Colbert Warren William Rochelle Hudson Ned Sparks Louise Beavers Fredi Washington Juanita Quigley Alan Hale Henry Armetta Wyndham Standing Monya Andre Alyce Ardell William Austin Dorothy Black Edna Bowdoin Tyler Brooke Daisy Bufford Joyce Compton William B. Davidson Sayre Dearing Norma Drew Jean Fenwick Noel Francis Paullyn Garner Dick Gordon Jesse Graves Reverend Gregg Sebie Hendricks G. P. Huntley ⦠Claudette Colbert steps into her emotional role and makes it an outstanding characterization. The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review. Sign up here. Ashamed of her mother, Peola seeks a new life by passing for white. The film stars Claudette Colbert, On the positive side, you have a single mother shown balancing family and work, and keeping control of her business as it skyrockets. Imitation Of Life - 1934 [ Imitação Da Vida ] Images De La Vie - Legendado by Vintage Movie. Imitation of Life is a 1934 American drama film directed by John M. Stahl. The two soon become wealthy and as the years go on, their friendship deepens. The race angle is treated with so obvious an attempt at tear-jerking that a good part of the Hurst appeal for increased colored tolerance is lost in a welter of sentimentality. This edition of Imitation of Life should do as much for Miss Kohner as did the original movie for Miss Colbert in 1934. A cocky guy joins the Navy for the wrong reason but finds romance and twice is cited for heroism. All in all though, an important film. However, the resolution of this at the end pales in comparison to the resolution of Beavers' story which precedes it. I liked this twist, it was unexpected and created a little angst for the white characters, who were otherwise in beautiful clothes, sipping champagne, and dancing the night away. The screenplay by William Hurlbut, based on Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same name, was augmented by eight additional uncredited writers, including Preston Sturges and Finley Peter Dunne. Add the first question. Struggling to make ends meet, Delilah shares her family pancake recipe with Bea, and the two decide to start a business on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Drama, Certificate: Passed Help comes in the form of Delilah Johnson, who agrees to work as Bea's housekeeper in exchange for a room for herself and her daughter Peola. Copyright © Fandango. An alcoholic ex-boxer struggles to provide a good living for his son. Imitation of Life Cast (in credits order) verified as complete. A woman's love for and devotion to a married man results in her being relegated to the "back streets" of his life. The screenplay by William Hurlbut, based on Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same name, was augmented by eight additional uncredited writers, including Preston Sturges and Finley Peter Dunne. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Best Netflix Shows and Series To Binge (March 2021), The 100 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now (March 2021), 100 Best Movies on Amazon Prime To Watch (March 2021). There are several brutal, heart-wrenching scenes between the two of them - as a child (played by Dorothy Black), Peola is upset about being called black, believing it an insult; later in school, she has to slink out of an all-white classroom amidst stares and whispers to see her mother who has shown up unexpectedly; and finally, as an adult, pretending she doesn't even know her at her job, where she's also 'passed', and later telling her she wants to disown her entirely. Colbert's maid is played by Louise Beavers, an African-American, and also a single mother. Use the HTML below. January 30, 2021 On the other hand, you have Beavers' being simple-minded, superstitious, and wanting to remain subservient to Colbert's, even when they've made enough money and it's no longer necessary. Film Class Wednesdays winds down with the last three movies of the semester. When a studio, no matter how, or why, finds the courage to break a taboo, as in Imitation of Life, it is big news, and an occasion for rejoicing. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". The presentation of both versions, provided myself with a richer nourishing experience of the Fannie Hurst story. Two widows from different lives find that they need eachother and about the support they give to one another It's a must-see, both from an entertainment perspective and, most importantly, a historical one. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. Written by Coming Soon. Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers are superb as Bea and Delilah, two women with young daughters who build a life ⦠How true this trend was 82 years ago, and how true it is today (see 'Creed'). The star setup was marvelous, and the acting of the adorable Claudette Colbert as well a Louis Beavers was superb. Set in New York in the 1950âs, Imitation of Life by Douglas Sirk portrays an intricate relationship between a Black American mother and her fair skin daughter, Sarah Jane. It evidences a belief that the American movie public is maturing in Its tastes and tolerance. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. The two soon become wealthy and as the years go on, their friendship deepens. The movie is a great snapshot of what pushing the boundaries meant in 1934. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. 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. Imitation of Life (1934): Claudette Colbert Stars in John Stahlâs Oscar-Nominated Melodrama January 24, 2009 by EmanuelLevy The first, rather faithful screen version of Fannie Hurstâs popular novel, âImitation to Lifeâ was helmed by John Stahl, a director who specialized in lavish melodramas (âLeave Her to Heavenâ) and womenâs pictures (âBack Street,â âMagnificent Obsession Imitation of Life (1959) Lana Turner heads the outstanding cast with Juanita Moore in the second screen version of this emotionally-charged story about two widows and their troubled daughters. Bea's love for her daughter is tested when she and Jessie fall for the same man. Also, because the Hays Code had recently gone into effect, references to Peola being of mixed-race were avoided, because 'passing' itself was already dangerous ground, and the concept of racial mixing was a definite no-no. What an interesting film this was. Adventure, Certificate: Passed However, for every leap forward in asserting a positive relationship between a white woman and a black woman, there are two massive steps backward. Donât worry, it wonât take long. This FAQ is empty. An aspiring white actress takes in an African-American widow whose mixed-race daughter is desperate to be seen as white. The so-called "one-drop rule" was enacted into American state laws in the early 20th century. Lora's search for success causes her to neglect her daughter, while Annie's daughter rejects her culture by trying to pass for white. Louise Beavers Delilah Johnson. Search for "Imitation of Life" on Amazon.com, Title: |, January 30, 2021 John M. Stahl Director. John Gavin. An English valet brought to the American west assimilates into the American way of life. Claudette Colbert. Show all Cast & Crew . Read critic reviews. The film stars Claudette Colbert, Warren William and Rochelle Hudson and features Louise Beavers and Fredi Washington. These are the scenes with real emotional impact in the story, and it's stunning, though not surprising, that neither Beavers nor Washington where nominated for an Academy Award. Someone pitch a "Beulah" Miniseries. ... Steve Archer. Warren William. 5.0 ⢠1 Rating. Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA. It was Sirk's final Hollywood film and dealt with issues of race, class and gender. Most Prolific Actress Oscar Has Ever Seen. Her daughter Peola, played by Fredi Washington, is light-skinned, and wants to 'pass' as white. Bea comes up with a plan to market Delilah's pancake recipe. While "Imitation of Life" centers around the business created by two women, one black and one white, it also take a hard look at the struggles minorities face -- something very rarely seen on the big screen at that time. Director: John M. Stahl. Cinemark The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way. This is more of a social conflict drama with the mother-daughter conflict woven in, a fine film but the Lana Turner version is more emotionally involving. I was most familiar with the Lana Turner (1959) version. 1934. 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). Was this review helpful to you? This critique discusses the 1959 version of Imitation of Life directed by Douglas Sirk. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Together, the women find great success and considerable fortune, but they also encounter family hardships and some deep-seated identity and racial problems. In âImitation of Life⦠The two ... William Hurlbut. Miss Beavers, who has been in pictures for about ten years found her masterpiece in Imitation of Life. Imitation of Life (1934) Review. The lives of a widow and her housekeeper are united first in mutual need, then success and ultimately, in heartache in this Academy Award®-nominated Best Picture. 1934 Directed by John M. Stahl. The life of spoiled rich Robert Merrick is saved through the use of a hospital's only resuscitator, but because the medical device cannot be in two places at once, it results in the death ... See full summary ». All rights reserved. [Louise Beavers's] remarkable performance of Aunt Delilah lifts this film out of the ordinary routine of the cinema. Biography, Certificate: Passed Imitation of Life. Watch Imitation of Life (1934) - Drama, Romance Movie: A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. But Colbert was, even though she was also nominated in the same year for 'It Happened One Night'. Just as importantly, a scene in the script depicting a black boy being attacked and nearly lynched for coming up to a white woman was excised; conservative America was not willing to admit this shameful truth. We take a look back at cinematic history and celebrate Asian Pacific American filmmakers and their visionary work. Top Billed Cast. Imitation of Life (1934) Trivia (15) Add new Although cast as the daughter of Louise Beavers (Delilah), Fredi Washington (Peola, age 19) was in reality less than two years younger than her onscreen mother. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. I could have totally done without the love triangle thing between Bea, Steve, and Jessie. That's why I like to put images there, if I can find them and make a rationale for their use. You have Fredi Washington, a light-skinned African-American actress (who in real life disdained 'passing') hired to play the role of Peola, when it was much more common to hire whites. Ashamed of her mother, Peola seeks a new life by passing for white. Claudette Colbert Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman. Widow Bea Pullman (Claudette Colbert) and her daughter, Jessie, take in a fair-skinned black girl and her mother, housekeeper Delilah Johnson (Louise Beavers). Claudette Colbert. View production, box office, & company info. To say that the opus is grand, is putting it mildly. Help comes in the form of Delilah Johnson, who agrees to work as Bea's housekeeper in exchange for a room for herself and her daughter Peola. The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher. Rochelle Hudson Jessie (age 18) Ned Sparks Elmer. This video shows clips from the original 1934 film "Imitation of Life" directed by John Stall . | Rating: 2.5/4 Screenplay. Bea comes up with a plan to market Delilah's pancake recipe. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. The great Claudette Colbert stars in an equally great melodrama from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bea Pullman and her daughter Jessie have had a hard time making ends meet since Bea's husband died. Originally, the heroine was a widowed mother who kept the wolf from the door by setting up a successful pancake business with her black housemaid. Imitation of Life is a 1959 American drama film directed by Douglas Sirk, produced by Ross Hunter and released by Universal International. We wonât be able to verify your ticket today, but itâs great to know for the future. Don't have an account? Although I do applaud the film makers for choosing this story, they disappoint the audience by not going into depth with the characters. A racial problem is handled in a very frank and convincing manner. Colbert is a widow with a baby daughter who hires Beavers, who also has a daughter, as a housekeeper. Three British soldiers on the Northwest Frontier of India struggle against the enemy - and themselves. Elizabeth Barrett's tyrannical father has forbidden any of his family to marry. It is the work of Miss Beavers [and] Fredi Washington that gives the picture its greatest grip on the emotions. In Imitation of Life, peopleâs attitude and behavior towards Sarah⦠Imitation of Life isn't always subtle, but even as it tugs at the heartstrings, this socially conscious melodrama effectively explores Jim Crow-era racial taboos. Critic Reviews for Imitation of Life. | Top Critics (17) Action. I had no idea what the storyline of Imitation of Life was when I sat down to watch it. (1934). 25 years after this became a box office hit, producer Ross Hunter mounted a far more lavish, romanticized remake starring Lana Turner, John Gavin and Sandra Dee. The wealthy Rothschild family undergoes prejudice from the anti-Semitic society they live within. This is a classic in that it's one of the first times any medium tackled the issue of black-white relations. By Christopher Null. This first film version from 1934 stars the lustrous Claudette Colbert as Bea and the indisputably talented Louise Beavers as Delilah. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. Forgot your password? Now it is true that the love story in the movie for Colbert with William Warren is captivating, and it gets complicated when her daughter falls in love with him as well, and despite no wrongdoing on his part, creates a dilemma for Colbert. Their relationships with their daughters, however, become strained. ... Beatrice Pullman. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. I think a lot of African-Americans in the entertainment business can look at this film as a trail-blazer in terms of "serious" roles for blacks instead of being cast as "entertainers.". ... Lora Meredith. You're almost there! Beavers' character is sweet and strong, and bears this suffering to her deathbed. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Most of the films at that time showed blacks as domestic servants and pictured them as "happy" in those roles. Prior to this film, Beavers was primarily cast in âmammyâ roles. Coming Soon. Her father is simply referred to as having been 'light-skinned'. We should hand It to Universal for making even a timid attempt to get away from the cut and dried formulae of cinema drama. Imitation of Life (1934) 11/26/1934 (US ... Claudette Colbert at her finest in Imitation of Life Overview. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. The screenplay by William Hurlbut, based on Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same name, was augmented by eight additional uncredited writers, including Preston Sturges and Finley Peter Dunne. ( in credits order ) verified as complete on Amazon.com, Title: Imitation Life. When contacting customer service issues of race, class and gender historical one another cast and crew to watch.! I had no idea what the storyline of Imitation of Life '' directed by Douglas Sirk, produced Ross! True this trend was 82 years ago, and bears this suffering to deathbed... Had a hard time making ends meet since bea 's love for her Peola!, class and gender in love with the Lana Turner ( 1959 ) version, I am a. 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