Imitation of Life

Films

Imitation of Life (Universal-International 1959)

Lana and Sandra Dee share a moment in Imitation of Life (1959). Lou Valentino Collection.

"Well I'm going up and up and up and nobody's going to pull me down!"

Production Dates: August 1958-October 1958

Release Date: April 17, 1959.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, Sandra Dee, Susan Kohner, John Gavin.

Directed by: Douglas Sirk

Writing Credits: Fannie Hurst (novel), Eleanore Griffin, Allen Scott

Produced by: Ross Hunter

Original Music by: Frank Skinner, Sammy Fain (title song) (uncredited), Henry Mancini (uncredited)

Cinematography by: Russell Metty

Synopsis: Struggling actress Lora Meredith (Lana Turner), an attractive widow with a young daughter, Susie (Sandra Dee), wants to "go up and up and up", but doesn't realize the trials and challenges awaiting her when she gets there. Lora befriends a black woman, Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore), also a single mother with a daughter, Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) about the same age as Susie. The two determined mothers join forces while living in Lora’s cramped New York apartment. Annie takes care of both girls and acts as Lora’s maid, so that Lora can pursue her dream of having a Broadway stage career. Over time they become a racially mixed imitation family facing challenges beyond their expectations. Background Information: Imitation of Life is the film that saved Universal Studios from bankruptcy. With only two hundred fifty thousand dollars left to make one last picture, Universal hedged their bets that Producer Ross Hunter could, at the very least, bring in a film that would make money on their investment.

Lana Turner had just been crucified around the world as an unfit mother after her only daughter, Cheryl Crane, then 14 years old, was found guilty of justifiable manslaughter for causing the death-by-stabbing of Johnny Stompanato, Lana’s mobster lover. Hollywood insiders were betting that Lana’s storybook career was over when Ross Hunter approached her to star in the remake of Fannie Hurst’s novel of the same name, which starred Claudette Colbert in 1934. The second adaptation in 1959 proved to be Universal’s largest-grossing picture of all time. It was the comeback vehicle for Lana who, in lieu of alarge salary up front, gambled on herself. Her contract stated she would reap 50% of the profits and that became the largest salary ever paid to an actress at that time while cementing Lana Turner’s box office appeal. In its first release, Imitation of Life took in over 50 million dollars and Lana benefited not only financially, but in popularity as well.

Imitation of Life is a delight from beginning to end, with Lana looking ravishing in Jean Louis gowns and more than a million dollars in jewels. Lana’s character, facing her rebellious daughter and the even more difficult Susie, became a symbol for the real-life drama between Lana and her own juvenile delinquent, Cheryl, at home. Juanita Moore almost steals the show as Annie Johnson, maid and friend to Lora who is struggling with her own daughter Sara Jane (played by Susan Kohner) who has issues with being "different" (of mixed racial heritage). Though I personally love Sandra Dee as Susie, she is an acquired taste and you'll either love or hate her perkiness- with no in between. The racial aspects of this film haven't aged well and it is interesting to me that in the 1934 version of this film the two friends are partners in the pancake business but here Annie is a housekeeper-companion. The second version of Imitation brought the image of black women out of the ‘colored Mammy’ stereotype up to 1959 standards.

This film is a great one; perfect for a snowy afternoon with a box of chocolates, a box of tissues (you'll need lots of ‘em), a big blanket and maybe some brandy –well, not too much brandy. Those calories you know...

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

Automobile Trivia from Gregory Morrow:

*In Lana's "Broadway Montage" sequence that goes through the years from the late 40's up to the "present" of 1959 there is a possible "continuity" issue in the year 1952 frame. A car is briefly shown, it's a '55 or '56 Oldsmobile, not a '52 model.

*When they are going to the picnic and are shown loading up the Chrysler station wagon the fender has several "dents" in it. Rather odd since it's a new car and a "deluxe" production.

*The Imperial limo in the funeral scene is not air-conditioned as far as I can tell. On that car, the a/c unit is mounted in the trunk (this was typical of some 50's cars) and the fresh air intakes are mounted in scoops just behind the rear roof pillar. If they were there you could see them when the gang is getting into the car. Rather odd as many limos back then had a/c. This exact same model of limo can be seen in the "Think Pink" number from the '57 movie Funny Face. Don't know if it could be the exact same car or not...were Paramount (Funny Face) and Universal (IOL) partner studios by then? If so that limo could have "starred" in both films...

*I can't quite make out what year John Gavin's Chrysler 300 convertible is. I'm thinking 1957. The color of his car registers on film as orange especially in the graduation scene, but I don't think the 300 was available in that color (only came in a handful of colors, e.g. red, white...). If it's factory correct color it would have been red, not orange. Maybe it's just the way the color registered on film...I'll have to check the DVD and Chrysler sites to sate my curiosity.

Thanks Greg!

*Imitation of Life was first made at Universal Studios in 1934 as a vehicle for Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers (in the Turner and Moore roles). In the 1934 version, the two friends were in the pancake making business together. In the Turner, Hunter, Moore version of '59, the central character's occupation was changed from a pancake turner to a Broadway actress and the black business partner was changed to a housekeeper-companion.

*Lana and Susan Kohner would appear together again two years later in 1961's By Love Possessed.

*Based on the book Imitation of Life by Fannie Hurst

*Lana Turner earned 50 percent of this film's profits, coming away with nearly two million dollars.

*Susan Kohner is actually half Mexican and half Jewish.

*Lana and Sandra Dee would appear together again a year later in 1960's Portrait in Black.

*The funeral scene, which comes at the end of the film, was a difficult one for Lana. She was so emotional doing the scene that it took her quite some time to calm down afterward.

*Many people consider this to be Lana Turner's "come-back" picture, as it was the first film she made after the tragedy of Good Friday.

Purchase Imitation of Life:

VHS

DVD

DVD Features:

Nothing except a digital transfer

Comments: Very disappointing, partially because of the lack of extras (you would think that they could've at least found some wardrobe tests, or even a trailer!) and partially because the quality of the picture and sound aren't much better than a ten year old VHS tape. Many times I found myself turning up the television because I just couldn't make out what the actors were saying. Imitation of Life was and is a beautifully put together film and Universal really missed the boat by not giving it a full restoration treatment. Take my advice and stick with your old VHS tape for now. I'll let you know if a better DVD treatment comes along.

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