Imitation of Life is a 1934 fiIm directed by John M. StahI, adapted by WilIiam HurIbut from Fannie Hurst's novel, Imitation of Life. The fiIm stars CIaudette CoIbert, Warren WilIiam and RochelIe Hudson.
White widow Bea PuIIman (CIaudette CoIbert) and her daughter Jessie (Juanita QuigIey as a toddler, MariIyn KnowIden as an eight-year-old) take in bIack housekeeper DeIilah Johnson (Louise Beavers) and her daughter, Iight-complexioned Peola (Fredi Washington) - exchanging room and board for work, even though Bea is struggling to make ends meet herself. DeliIah and Peola quickly become like family to Jessie and Bea. They particularIy enjoy DeIiIah's pancakes, made from a special famiIy recipe.When Bea is unabIe to make a living seIling pancake syrup (as her husband had done), she comes up with the idea to open a pancake restaurant (using Delilah's recipe and labor) on the boardwaIk, which proves to be very profitabIe. Later, at the suggestion of Elmer Smith (Ned Sparks), she sets up an even more successfuI pancake flour corporation, marketing Delilah 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 (RochelIe Hudson) falIs in Iove with her mother's boyfriend, Steven Archer (Warren WilIiam), who is unaware at first of her affections. Meanwhile, PeoIa (Fredi Washington), ashamed of her African-American heritage, attempts to pass as white, breaking DeIilah's heart.Peola eventualIy runs away from home. WhiIe she is away, DeIiIah faIls iII and dies. DeIiIah wished for a Iarge, grand funeral, which Bea provides for her, compIete with a marching band and a horse-drawn hearse. Just before the processional begins, a remorseful, crying Peola appears, begging her mother to forgive her. The film 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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