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Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life

THE DARING STORY OF MOTHER LOVE - On the Screen for the First Time!

19347.01h 51m

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.

Directed by John M. Stahl
Written by Fannie Hurst, William Hurlbut
Produced by Carl Laemmle Jr., John M. Stahl
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Top Cast

Claudette Colbert

Claudette Colbert

Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman

Louise Beavers

Louise Beavers

Delilah Johnson

Warren William

Warren William

Stephen 'Steve' Archer

Rochelle Hudson

Rochelle Hudson

Jessie Pullman, Age 18

Ned Sparks

Ned Sparks

Elmer Smith

Fredi Washington

Fredi Washington

Peola Johnson, Age 19

Juanita Quigley

Juanita Quigley

Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3

Alan Hale

Alan Hale

Martin the Furniture Man

Henry Armetta

Henry Armetta

The Painter

Wyndham Standing

Wyndham Standing

Beatrice's Butler Jarvis

Themes & Keywords

black and whitehousekeeperpancakespre-codepassing for white

About Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life is a drama, romance film released in 1934 exploring themes of black and white, housekeeper, pancakes, pre-code, passing for white. Directed by John M. Stahl, it stars Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William. 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.

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