DVD

Imitation of life / Carl LaEmmle presents ;directed by John M. Stahl ; screenplay, William Hurlbut, Preston Sturges.

Hurst, Fannie, 1889-1968 Motion picture adaptation of (work): (Added Author). Hurlbut, William J. (William James), 1883-1957 (screenwriter.). Sturges, Preston, (screenwriter.). Stahl, John M., 1886-1950 (film director.). Beavers, Louise, 1902-1962 (actor.). Colbert, Claudette, (actor.). Washington, Fredi, 1903-1994 (actor.). William, Warren, 1895-1948 (actor.). Criterion Collection (Firm), (publisher.). Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, Warren William. (Cast).

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.

Record details

ISBN: 9798886070071
Physical Description: 1 videodisc (110 min.) : sound, black and white ; 4 3/4 in.
Edition: DVD speical edition.
Publisher: [United States] : The Criterion Collection, [2023]

Content descriptions

General Note:	Title from sell sheet. Originally released as a motion picture in 1934. Aspect ratio, 1.33:1. Special features: 4K digital restoration; New interviews; Trailer; Plus, An essay by Petty.
Creation/Production Credits Note:	Cinematography, Merritt Gerstad; editors, Philip Cahn, Maurice Wright; music, Heinz Roemheld. Director, John M. Stahl.
Participant or Performer Note:	Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, Warren William.
System Details Note:	DVD; full screen (aspect ratio 1.33:1); Monaural.
Language Note:	Subtitled for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH). Subtitled for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH).