Imitation of Life (1934 film)
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. The film stars Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, and Fredi Washington.
| Imitation of Life | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | John M. Stahl |
| Screenplay by | William J. Hurlbut |
| Based on | Imitation of Life 1933 novel by Fannie Hurst |
| Produced by | Carl Laemmle Jr. |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Merritt B. Gerstad |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Heinz Roemheld |
Production company | Universal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 111 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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". It was also named by Time in 2007 as one of "The 25 Most Important Films on Race". It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Assistant Director, and Best Sound Recording at the 7th Academy Awards.