Syndetics cover image
Image from Syndetics

Imitation of life / The New Universal presents ; a John M. Stahl production ; produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr. ; screenplay, William Hurlbut ; directed by John M. Stahl.

Contributor(s): Material type: FilmFilmPublisher number: CC3431DDVD | The Criterion CollectionLanguage: English Original language: English Series: Criterion collection ; 1167.Publisher: [United States] : The Criterion Collection, [2023]Copyright date: ©2023Edition: DVD special editionDescription: 1 videodisc (110 min.) : sound, black and white ; 4 3/4 inContent type:
  • two-dimensional moving image
Media type:
  • video
Carrier type:
  • videodisc
ISBN:
  • 9798886070071
Uniform titles:
  • Imitation of life (Motion picture : 1934)
Related works:
  • Motion picture adaptation of (work): Hurst, Fannie, 1889-1968. Imitation of life
Subject(s): Genre/Form: Production credits:
  • Cinematography, Merritt Gerstad; editors, Philip Cahn, Maurice Wright; music, Heinz Roemheld.
Cast: Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, Warren William.Summary: It explores the friendship between two struggling single mothers: one a working-class white woman who ascends to the top of the business world, and the other her Black housekeeper, whose life is shattered by the rejection of her rebellious, white-passing daughter. It is this latter relationship attuned to America's bitter racial realities and heartbreakingly enacted by trailblazing Black performers Beavers and Washington that lends the film its transcendent emotional power. This first adaptation of Fannie Hurst's best-selling novel boldly confronts the complexities and contradictions of racial identity, economic exploitation, and the limits of the American dream.
Audiovisual profile: Click to open in new window
Holdings
Item type Home library Collection Call number Materials specified Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Adult DVD Adult DVD Dr. James Carlson Library DVD DRAMA IMITATIO Available 33111009983400
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

It explores the friendship between two struggling single mothers: one a working-class white woman who ascends to the top of the business world, and the other her Black housekeeper, whose life is shattered by the rejection of her rebellious, white-passing daughter. It is this latter relationship attuned to America's bitter racial realities and heartbreakingly enacted by trailblazing Black performers Beavers and Washington that lends the film its transcendent emotional power. This first adaptation of Fannie Hurst's best-selling novel boldly confronts the complexities and contradictions of racial identity, economic exploitation, and the limits of the American dream.

Title from title frames.

DVD; NTSC, region 1 ; full screen (aspect ratio 1.33:1); Monaural.

Subtitled for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH).

English dialogue with optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH).

Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, Warren William.

Cinematography, Merritt Gerstad; editors, Philip Cahn, Maurice Wright; music, Heinz Roemheld.

Based on the novel by Fannie Hurst.

Full screen.

Originally released in 1934.

Special features: 4K digital restoration; New interviews; Trailer.

It explores the friendship between two struggling single mothers: one a working-class white woman who ascends to the top of the business world, and the other her Black housekeeper, whose life is shattered by the rejection of her rebellious, white-passing daughter. It is this latter relationship attuned to America's bitter racial realities and heartbreakingly enacted by trailblazing Black performers Beavers and Washington that lends the film its transcendent emotional power. This first adaptation of Fannie Hurst's best-selling novel boldly confronts the complexities and contradictions of racial identity, economic exploitation, and the limits of the American dream.

Powered by Koha