Imitation of Life

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

Synopsis

The story is look at early 20th century American race relations. Bea Pullman and her daughter Jessie take in housekeeper Delilah Johnson and her daughter Peola, in exchange for room and board. In a short amount of time, Delilah and Peola become family to Jessie and Bea. They particularly enjoy Delilah's pancakes, made from a special family recipe. Bea decides to start a pancake restaurant and later a pancake flour corporation, marketing Delilah as an Aunt Jemima-like figure.

Related Topics:
20th century - Race - Pancakes - Flour - Aunt Jemima

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As a result, Bea becomes a wealthy business woman, but all is not well. Jessie falls in love with her mother's boyfriend, Steven Archer, who is unaware at first of her affections. Peola, ashamed of her African American heritage, attempts to pass as white, breaking her mother Delilah's heart. Peola eventually runs away from home, and Delilah falls ill and eventually dies. Delilah's only wish was for a large, grand funeral, which Bea provides for her, complete with a marching band and a horse-drawn hearse. Just before the processional begins, however, a remorseful, crying, and apologetic Peola appears, begging her mother to forgive her for her shame and finally acknowledging in public that she is in fact black.

Related Topics:
African American - Pass - Marching band - Horse - Hearse

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