Imitation of Life

(1934)

111 minutes

Drama

Directed by John M. Stahl

Produced by Carl Laemmle Jr.

Cast:

Claudette Colbert as Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman
Warren William as Stephen 'Steve' Archer
Rochelle Hudson as Jessie Pullman at Age 18
Ned Sparks as Elmer Smith
Louise Beavers as Delilah Johnson
Fredi Washington as Peola Johnson at Age 19
Juanita Quigley as Baby Jessie Pullman at Age 3
Alan Hale Sr. as Martin, the Furniture Man
Henry Armetta as The Painter
Wyndham Standing as Jarvis
Franklin Pangborn Mr. Carven
Jane Withers as Childhood friend

After her husband dies, Bea Pullman and her eight year old daughter Jessie hire black housekeeper Delilah Johnson, who brings along her light skinned daughter Peola. They work there in exchange for room and board. Bea starts selling Delilah’s pancake recipe, earning lots of money for them both. They become close friends, though their relationships with their daughters start to become strained. Bea and Jessie fall in love with the same man, while Delilah is ashamed of her heritage and tries to pass as white. The mothers reunite with their children at the end.