Imitation of Life poster
7.4/10 1959 2h 5m Released

Fannie Hurst's best selling novel of today's tormented generation!

In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.

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Top Cast

Lana Turner
Lana Turner
Lora Meredith
John Gavin
John Gavin
Steve Archer
Juanita Moore
Juanita Moore
Annie Johnson
Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee
Susie (16)
Susan Kohner
Susan Kohner
Sarah Jane (18)
Robert Alda
Robert Alda
Allen Loomis
Dan O'Herlihy
Dan O'Herlihy
David Edwards
Karin Dicker
Karin Dicker
Sarah Jane (8)
Terry Burnham
Terry Burnham
Susie (6)
John Vivyan
John Vivyan
Young man
Lee Goodman
Lee Goodman
Photographer
Ann Robinson
Ann Robinson
Showgirl
Troy Donahue
Troy Donahue
Frankie
Sandra Gould
Sandra Gould
Receptionist
David Tomack
David Tomack
Mr. McKenney
Joel Fluellen
Joel Fluellen
Minister

Reviews

CinemaSerf 7/10

Whilst Lana Turner is great in this family drama, the plaudits really ought to go to the sparing appearances of the hugely charismatic Juanita Moore. The latter woman is very much down on her luck, with her daughter "Sarah Jane", when she rescues the young "Susie", separated at the beach from her mother "Lora" (Turner). Not that she has much better prospects, but "Lora" takes in the destitute couple and that seems…

griggs79 9/10

Imitation of Life is a masterpiece that explores race, class, and privilege in 1950s America. Douglas Sirk's final Hollywood film masterfully contrasts the lives of Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) and Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore), using their intertwining stories to expose the stark divides of the era. The emotional depth of Annie's relationship with her daughter, who chooses to pass as white, is super-emotional and…

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FAQ about Imitation of Life

What is Imitation of Life about?
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
When was Imitation of Life released?
Imitation of Life was released in 1959.
What genres does Imitation of Life belong to?
Imitation of Life is categorised as Drama, Romance.
Who stars in Imitation of Life?
The cast of Imitation of Life includes Lana Turner, John Gavin, Juanita Moore, Sandra Dee, Susan Kohner.