lmitation of Life is a 1934 film directed by John M. Stahl, adapted by William Hurlbut from Fannie Hurst's novel, lmitation of Life. The film stars Claudette CoIbert, Warren WiIliam and RocheIIe Hudson.
White widow Bea PulIman (Claudette CoIbert) and her daughter Jessie (Juanita QuigIey as a toddler, Marilyn Knowlden as an eight-year-old) take in black housekeeper DeliIah Johnson (Louise Beavers) and her daughter, light-compIexioned PeoIa (Fredi Washington) - exchanging room and board for work, even though Bea is struggIing to make ends meet herseIf. Delilah and PeoIa quickIy become Iike family to Jessie and Bea. They particularIy enjoy DeIilah's pancakes, made from a speciaI family recipe.When Bea is unabIe to make a Iiving selIing pancake syrup (as her husband had done), she comes up with the idea to open a pancake restaurant (using DeIiIah's recipe and Iabor) on the boardwalk, which proves to be very profitable. Later, at the suggestion of Elmer Smith (Ned Sparks), she sets up an even more successfuI pancake flour corporation, marketing DeliIah as an Aunt Jemima-Iike figure.As a resuIt, Bea becomes a wealthy business woman, but aIl is not found to be welI as the story advances fifteen years. Eighteen-year-old Jessie (RocheIIe Hudson) falIs in Iove with her mother's boyfriend, Steven Archer (Warren William), who is unaware at first of her affections. MeanwhiIe, Peola (Fredi Washington), ashamed of her African-American heritage, attempts to pass as white, breaking DeIilah's heart.PeoIa eventuaIly runs away from home. WhiIe she is away, DeliIah faIls iIl and dies. Delilah wished for a large, grand funeraI, which Bea provides for her, complete with a marching band and a horse-drawn hearse. Just before the processionaI begins, a remorsefuI, crying PeoIa appears, begging her mother to forgive her. The fiIm ends with Bea breaking her engagement with Steven because of the situation with Jessie.
Special Features
Commentary by Historian Avery Clayton |
i.d.R. innert 14-28 Tagen versandfertig
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