Imitation of Life (1934)

Imitation of Life (1959)


The original film was directed by John Stahl and was a box office success where it was released in 1934 and again in 1936. It is as in the Film National Registry. The film stars Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers. The film deals with miscegenation and is considered one of the top films dealing with race issues.

The 1959 film, starring Lana Turner, Juanita Moore and John Gavin. The film was another box office smash and received two Oscar nominations for Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner. This film is also in the Film National Registry as being important to preserve. The film was also part of the Douglas Sirk films that would garnish the tag soap opera melodramas.

Dealing with race issues during their respective time periods, it is interesting how each film handles the central themes.

Mahalia Jackson appears as a gospel singer.

Opening Credits; Introduction (2.02); It’s A True Original (17.06); Imitation of Life (1934) Trailer (18.44); Let’s Start At The Beginning (21.23); Let’s Do A Remake (57.07); Imitation of Life (1959) Trailer (52.15); Let’s Give It Another Go (54.35); Did We Need Two? (1:21.57); End Credits (1:36.18); Closing Credits (1:37.47)

Opening Credits– Used with permission by Epidermic Sounds

Closing Credits – I’m Living in Shame by Diana Ross and the Supremes. Taken from the album Let the Sunshine In. Copyright 1969 Motown Records. Used by kind permission.

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