Imitation of Life (1959 film)

thumb Imitation of Life is a 1959 film about an aspiring white actress who takes in an African American widow whose mixed-race daughter is desperate to be seen as white. Directed by Douglas Sirk. Written by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott, adapted from Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel. I'll get the things I want out of life, one way or another...from one man to another! Lora Meredith [to Sarah Jane] You weren't being colored, you were just being childish. Well, I'm going up and up and up - and nobody's going to pull me down! Annie Johnson How do you tell a child that she was born to be hurt? Miss Lora, we just come from a place where... where my color deviled my baby. Now, anything here has gotta be better. Our wedding day, and the day we die are the great events of life. Other Sarah Jane: Miss Lora, you don't know what it means to be... different... Dialogue Lora: Now, just a moment, young lady! It's only because of my ambition that you've had the best of everything. And that's a solid achievement that any mother can be proud of! Susie, age 16: [tearfully] And how about a mother's love? Lora: LOVE? But you've always had that! Susie, age 16: Yes, by telephone, by postcard, by magazine interviews... you've given me everything... but yourself! Lora: You're aiming high. Steve: Why not? It doesn't cost any more. Don't you believe in chasing rainbows? Lora: It never occurred to me that you had many friends. You never have any visit you. Annie: I know lots of people. Oh, hundreds. Lora: Really? Annie: I belong to the Baptist church. And I belong to several lodges too. Lora: I didn't know. Annie: Miss Lora, you never asked. Steve: Your bones... Lora: What about my bones? Steve: They're perfect. My camera could easily have a love affair with you. Lora: If Steve really means that much to you I'll give him up. I'll never see him again. Susie: Oh, Mother. Stop acting! Annie: I'd be happy knowin' you're meetin' nice young folk... Sarah Jane: Busboys! Cooks! Chauffeurs! Like Hawkins. No thank you; I've seen your "nice young folk". Annie: I don't wanna fight with you, honey. Not tonight. I don't feel too good. While I get started on the anchovies, will you take this tray in to Miss Lora and her friends? Sarah Jane: [sarcastic] Why, certainly. Anything at all for Miss Lora and her friends. Cast Lana Turner - Lora Meredith Juanita Moore - Annie Johnson John Gavin - Steve Archer Sandra Dee - Susie, age 16 Susan Kohner - Sarah Jane, age 18 Robert Alda - Allen Loomis Dan O'Herlihy - David Edwards Karin Dicker - Sarah Jane, age 8 Terry Burnham - Susie, age 6 Sandra Gould - Annette Mahalia Jackson - Funeral singer Than Wyenn - Romano Troy Donahue - Frankie Jack Weston - Tom Ann Robinson - Showgirl External links 0052918 Imitation of Life 1010417-imitation_of_life Imitation of Life 24403 Imitation of Life Category:American drama films Category:Films based on American novels Category:United States National Film Registry films Category:Films about racism Category:Period films Category:Films about interracial romance Category:Films directed by Douglas Sirk Category:1959 American films Category:1959 English-language films Category:Films about actors Category:Films about mother–daughter relationships Category:Films set in New York City Category:American remake films