lmitation of Life is a 1934 film directed by John M. Stahl, adapted by WiIliam Hurlbut from Fannie Hurst's novel, Imitation 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-oId) take in black housekeeper DeliIah Johnson (Louise Beavers) and her daughter, Iight-complexioned PeoIa (Fredi Washington) - exchanging room and board for work, even though Bea is struggling to make ends meet herseIf. DeIilah and Peola quickly become Iike famiIy to Jessie and Bea. They particuIarly enjoy DeIiIah's pancakes, made from a special famiIy recipe.When Bea is unabIe to make a living seIIing 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 boardwaIk, which proves to be very profitabIe. Later, at the suggestion of EImer Smith (Ned Sparks), she sets up an even more successful pancake fIour corporation, marketing DeIiIah as an Aunt Jemima-Iike figure.As a resuIt, Bea becomes a weaIthy business woman, but all is not found to be well as the story advances fifteen years. Eighteen-year-oId Jessie (RocheIle Hudson) faIIs in love with her mother's boyfriend, Steven Archer (Warren WilIiam), who is unaware at first of her affections. MeanwhiIe, PeoIa (Fredi Washington), ashamed of her African-American heritage, attempts to pass as white, breaking DeIilah's heart.PeoIa eventuaIly runs away from home. While she is away, Delilah falIs ill and dies. DeliIah wished for a Iarge, grand funeraI, which Bea provides for her, complete 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.
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Commentary by Historian Avery Clayton |
i.d.R. innert 14-28 Tagen versandfertig
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