This glamorized remake of the 1934 film Imitation of Life bears only a passing resemblance to its source, the best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst. Originally, the heroine was a widowed mother who kept the wolf from the door by setting up a successful pancake business with her black housemaid. In the remake, Lana Turner stars as a would-be actress who is raising her daughter on her own. She chances to meet another single mother at the beach: African-American Juanita Moore. Moore goes to work as Turner's housekeeper, bringing ...
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This glamorized remake of the 1934 film Imitation of Life bears only a passing resemblance to its source, the best-selling novel by Fannie Hurst. Originally, the heroine was a widowed mother who kept the wolf from the door by setting up a successful pancake business with her black housemaid. In the remake, Lana Turner stars as a would-be actress who is raising her daughter on her own. She chances to meet another single mother at the beach: African-American Juanita Moore. Moore goes to work as Turner's housekeeper, bringing her light-skinned daughter along. As Turner's stage career goes into high gear, Moore is saddled with the responsibility of raising both Turner's daughter and her own. Exposed to the advantages of the white world, Moore's grown-up daughter (Susan Kohner) passes for white, causing her mother a great deal of heartache. Meanwhile, Turner's grown daughter (Sandra Dee), neglected by her mother, seeks comfort in the arms of handsome photographer John Gavin. When Moore dies, her daughter realizes how selfish she's been; simultaneously, Turner awakens to the fact that she hasn't been much of a mother for her own daughter, whose romance has gone down the tubes. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $2.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by Universal Studios Home Entertain.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $2.99, good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by Universal Studios Home Entertain.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $3.00, very good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Universal Studios.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $3.74, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2003.
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Seller's Description:
Good. May have very light or no surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but may show minimal signs of wear. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included. Slipcover may not be included.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $3.74, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2003.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. May have light surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but their condition may vary. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included. Slipcover may not be included.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $3.98, like new condition, Sold by Broadband ERA rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by Universal Studios Home Entertain.
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Seller's Description:
John Gavin, Lana Turner, Sandra De. Fine. 1959 VHS tape, artwork and slipcover in excellent condition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $3.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by UNIVERSAL HOME VIDEO.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Imitation of Life to cart. $4.95, like new condition, Sold by CBExchange rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fontana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998.
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Seller's Description:
Lana Turner. VHS TAPE-LIKE NEW! ! ! TAPE AND ORIGINAL COVER ARE EXCELLENT! ! ! -LIKE NEW! ! ! -FROM SELLER WITH OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE SELLING ON-LINE.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life [Region 1] to cart. $4.95, very good condition, Sold by ARC Foundation Thrift Store rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Universal Pictures.
Add this copy of Imitation of Life [Region 1] to cart. $4.95, good condition, Sold by Stories & Sequels rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ashland, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2003 by Universal Pictures.
This is one movie I enjoy seeing once a year to remind me of the way it was back in those 60s where conventions and appearances mattered most, but the movie is inspiring for those who want to break out of their mold. John Gavin is superbly typecast and Lana & Juanita are awesome. It should have been nominated for one award.
The Pageturner
Nov 2, 2008
Typical "Tragic Mulatto" Tale
As a viewer, I enjoyed the movie, and nearly cried. But as one who researches on Blackness in general, I didn't like it at. This movie was basically another "tragic mulatto" sterotype. I would only use the film as a comparison to literature written about Blacks that passed for white. I will give this film one point for showing that trying to be something that you are not can have dire consequences. Other than that, I am neutral.
