Film · TMDB
7.5In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
Released: 1959-04-09125 minDir: Douglas SirkDrama, Romance
Cast
- Lana Turner as Lora Meredith
- John Gavin as Steve Archer
- Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson
- Sandra Dee as Susie (16)
- Susan Kohner as Sarah Jane (18)
- Robert Alda as Allen Loomis
Themes
- family
- motherhood
- passing for white
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Article
Imitation of Life is a 1959 American melodrama film directed by Douglas Sirk and produced by Ross Hunter. It stars Lana Turner and John Gavin, with Sandra Dee, Dan O'Herlihy, Susan Kohner, Robert Alda, and Juanita Moore in supporting roles. Gospel music singer Mahalia Jackson appears as a church choir soloist. It is the second film adaptation of the 1933 novel by Fannie Hurst, following the 1934 film directed by John M. Stahl.
Released by Universal Pictures, Imitation of Life was Sirk's final Hollywood film and dealt with issues of race, class and gender. Kohner and Moore each received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for their performances, with Kohner winning the Golden Globe Award.
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Categories
1950s melodrama films1959 American films1959 English-language films1959 films1959 romantic drama filmsAmerican romantic drama filmsEnglish-language romantic drama filmsFilms about actorsFilms about mother–daughter relationshipsFilms about race and ethnicityFilms based on American novelsFilms based on works by Fannie Hurst