Imitation of Life (1934)
- Starring:
- Claudette Colbert, Warren William, (more)
- Director(s):
- John M. Stahl
- Format(s):
Synopsis of Imitation of Life
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
Complete Cast of Imitation of Life
- Claudette Colbert - Beatrice "Bea" Pullman
- Louise Beavers - Delilah Johnson
- Fredi Washington - Peola at 19
- Marilyn Knowlden - Jessie at 8
- Sebie Hendricks - Peola Johnson at 4
- Clarence H. Wilson - Landlord
- Henry Kolker - Dr. Preston
- Joyce Compton - Woman
- William Austin - Englishman
- Mme. Sul Te Wan - Cook
- G.P. Huntley - Man at Party
- Paul Porcasi - Restaurant Manager
- Fred "Snowflake" Toones - Bits at Funeral
- Wyndham Standing - Butler
- Tyler Brooke - Tipsy Man
- Juanita Quigley - Jessie Pullman, Age 3
- Warren William - Stephen Archer
- Ned Sparks - Elmer
- Rochelle Hudson - Jessie at 18
- Alan Hale - Martin, Furniture Man
- Dorothy Black - Peola at 9
- Henry Armetta - Painter
- Alice Ardell - French Maid
- Alma Tell - Mrs. Carven
- Barry Norton - Young Man
- Claire McDowell - Teacher
- Walter Walker - Hugh
- Lenita Lane - Mrs. Dale
- Noel Francis - Mrs. Eden
- Baby Jane Holzer - Jessie Pullman at 3
- Franklin Pangborn - Mr. Carven
- William B. Davidson - Man
- Director(s):
- John M. Stahl
- Writer(s):
- William Hurlbut
- Producer(s):
- Carl Laemmle, Jr.
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