Imitation of Life (1934)

Cast

Hattie McDaniel
as Woman at Funeral
Claudette Colbert
as Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman
Alan Hale
as Martin, the Furniture Man
Jane Withers
as Peola's Frontrow Classmate

Get more information about Imitation of Life (1934) on IMDb

Genres & Description

Action Drama Romance

7.6 / 10

Bea Pullman and her daughter Jessie have had a hard time making ends meet since Bea's husband died. 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. Bea comes up with a plan to market Delilah's pancake recipe. The two soon become wealthy and as the years go on, their friendship deepens. Their relationships with their daughters, however, become strained. Ashamed of her mother, Peola seeks a new life by passing for white. Bea's love for her daughter is tested when she and Jessie fall for the same man.

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Comments on this trailer
Comments may include spoiler!

Mykiea Mcafee

Trying to figure out which version to rent lol I have not seen this version so I think I chose this one lol hope it’s good - @Wednesday, November 21, 2018 12:58 AM

Tamara Vazquez

Fredi Washington my multi Racial role model Im so excited to see somone who lookes like me light skinned appearance..playing the perfect role in this movie we mulatos have such an identity crisis..we dont fit in really anywhere..not accepted in either race..we are a race of our own. Wish I couldve met you..wrong time frame..God Bless you Mrs. Fredi Washington RIP... - @Saturday, August 11, 2018 8:18 AM

Dhylon Santos

Very nice movie. Full movie by Torrent https://mega.nz/#!UswXhCxC!yjVwBJg4nMLXit79wvx_VGbXFuzwmQytqWjcMm9ELSo - @Tuesday, January 19, 2016 7:47 PM

Bernard Sussman

I get the distinct impression that this trailer (for a Claudette Colbert film) was intended for "colored" theaters back in 1934. - @Monday, November 9, 2015 3:44 AM

Ali Jalay

I'm 21 years old, and I have no idea why I'm watching this! - @Saturday, July 18, 2015 8:05 PM

S Thunda

From the magazines' reviews, it appears they didn't know that Fredi Washington was actually a black woman. - @Sunday, May 3, 2015 11:06 AM

Francisca Luciana Sousa da Silva

Um primor! - @Friday, April 25, 2014 1:14 PM

Tracey alfaro

I adore this movie, the 1959 remake is good but cannot beat this one! - @Saturday, April 5, 2014 9:19 PM

nimsay68

Well!!!! I never new that there was an ealier version of this film, thanks for the information - @Thursday, January 2, 2014 6:13 PM

Crystal Hollis

According to the TCM website it was made for "Colored Audiences." - @Thursday, September 26, 2013 4:53 AM

SueSnellLives!

I get your outrage, just remember that it was a product of the times. This trailer, in fact, was made for black theatres not white theatres or audiences. Everything was segregated. Colored was then Negro was then African American. Regardless of the inherent racism, this is one fine movie and Louse Beavers is exceptional. Many feel she should have been the first African American actress to win the Oscar - though Hattie McDaniel certainly deserved it as well in 1939 - and I agree. - @Saturday, September 21, 2013 11:30 PM

DWilt55

I suspect this trailer (which obviously came out after the film had already been in circulation for some time, given the review quotes) was created specifically for cinemas that catered to African-American audiences, hence the emphasis on Louise Beavers and Fredi Washington, to the exclusion of anything else about the movie. - @Monday, September 9, 2013 4:55 PM

Bajanliz

Freddi washington was a black women. She is just a light skinned women who had to potray herself as white. - @Sunday, September 8, 2013 1:50 AM

Kris Mars

You reading too deep into it my dear! - @Thursday, August 15, 2013 12:45 AM

10Vernonplace

Amen - @Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:16 AM

10Vernonplace

The movie is about prejudice, but they constantly promote the star as "colored". I recall the movie West Side Story about prejudice against Puerto Ricans, and they hired a non-Latina to play Maria. Prejudice! They wouldn't hire a Latino to play the white leading man. - @Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:16 AM

Britt Bry

Why does she have to be the best COLORED actress? Why not just the best actress? - @Monday, April 22, 2013 4:05 PM

Britt Bry

Did u notice that in each commentary quote, they mention that she's colored? - @Monday, April 22, 2013 4:03 PM