Imitation of Life

:"Imitation of Life" is also a song by R.E.M.. See Imitation of Life (song).

1959 film

Universal remade Imitation of Life in 1959 as a vehicle for Lana Turner. The story was altered so that the black housekeeper helped her white employer achieve fame, instead of the other way around. This version of Imitation of Life was director Douglas Sirk's final major film, and is considered one of his best.

Related Topics:
1959 - Lana Turner - Douglas Sirk

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Plot

Turner plays Lora Meredith, a struggling widow with plans to become a famous Broadway actress. She takes in Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore) and her daughter Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner), so that Annie can take care of Meredith's daughter Suzie (Sandra Dee). Meredith becomes an sensational star, but at the cost of a true relationship with her daughter, who as a teenagers falls for her mother's boyfriend, Steve Archer (John Gavin). Meanwhile, Annie has her own problems with Sarah Jane, who wants to pass for white and runs away from home to do so, causing Annie to fall ill and eventually die of a broken heart. As in the original film, a remorseful Sarah Jane resurfaces during the processional for Anie's lavish funeral, begging her deceased mother to forgive her.

Related Topics:
Broadway - Actress - Juanita Moore - Susan Kohner - Sandra Dee - John Gavin

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Release and critical reaction

Sirk's Imitation of Life premiered in New York City on April 17, 1959, and Universal put the film into general release on April 30. Both Moore and Kohner were nominated for the 1960 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Related Topics:
New York City - April 17 - 1959 - April 30 - 1960 - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress

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Todd Haynes' Far From Heaven (2002) is an homage to Sirk's work, in particular Imitation of Life and All That Heaven Allows.

Related Topics:
Todd Haynes - 2002 - Homage - All That Heaven Allows

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