rbstoker Review of Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life (1934)

This Movie Must Be Taken In Context of the Times....Yet.....

[6/10 · 16 January 2006]

I have seen this movie several times as well as the re-make. Condidering they were made 25 years apart the re-make is more palatable for my African-American sensibilities. However, considering the state of race relations in the US and the prevailing climate in Hollywood at the time the movie isn't that bad. The story's premise of a white woman feeling pity for and taking in a black woman is credible given that all women especially mothers would find it difficult to turn their back on another woman in need. Yet, I feel Hollywood could have made some bold strides and tried to elevate Delilah's character to more than a "step-n-fetch" slave. How hard would it have been for Hollywood to make her an equal partner and decision-maker in the pancake deal. Interestingly, the light-skinned character played by Fredi Washington(who really is mixed) is vilified in the movie as wanting to pass herself off as white. In real Hollywood life she was told she could make more money if she allowed the studio to promote her as being white. She of course refused and her career ended three years later because she could not be accepted by either race in movies at the time. She was too white for blacks and too black for whites...Shame. I recommend all people to watch this movie and then also watch the re-make and appreciate how our society has changed and still has more opportunities to change.