Imitation of Life (1934 film)

Imitation of Life
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJohn M. Stahl
Screenplay byWilliam J. Hurlbut
Based onImitation of Life
1933 novel
by Fannie Hurst
Produced byCarl Laemmle Jr.
Starring
CinematographyMerritt B. Gerstad
Edited by
  • Philip Cahn
  • Maurice Wright
Music byHeinz Roemheld
Production
company
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • November 26, 1934 (1934-11-26) (U.S.)
Running time
111 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Imitation of Life is a 1934 American drama film directed by John M. Stahl. The screenplay by William Hurlbut, based on Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same name, was augmented by eight additional uncredited writers, including Preston Sturges and Finley Peter Dunne.[1] The film stars Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, and Fredi Washington.

The film was originally released by Universal Pictures on November 26, 1934, and re-released in 1936. A 1959 remake of the same title was directed by Douglas Sirk.

In 2005, Imitation of Life was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".[2][3] It was also named by Time in 2007 as one of "The 25 Most Important Films on Race".[4] It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Assistant Director, and Best Sound Recording at the 7th Academy Awards.

  1. ^ Imitation of Life (1934) at IMDb
  2. ^ "Librarian of Congress Adds 25 Films to National Film Registry". Library of Congress. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  3. ^ "Complete National Film Registry Listing". Library of Congress. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  4. ^ Imitation of Life in Time