Imitation of Life (1959)
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
12 Kinolab Clips
Opening Sequence
Lora (Lana Lurner) loses her daughter Susie (Terry Burnham) at Coney Island, only to find her with Annie (Juanita Moore) and her white-passing daughter Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker).
Duration: 00:05:11
Timestamp: 00:02:13
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
The Man from the Beach
Lora (Lana Turner) and Annie (Juanita Moore) decide to live together. Steve (John Gavin), the photographer from the beach, visits their apartment.
Duration: 00:05:11
Timestamp: 00:13:29
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
The Lord has His Reasons
Annie (Juanita Moore) visits Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker) at school, where she discovers she has been passing as white.
Duration: 00:05:05
Timestamp: 00:31:13
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
He Was Like Me
At Christmastime, Annie (Juanita Moore) tells Sarah Jane (Karin Dicker) and Susie (Terry Burnham) the story of the birth of Christ.
Duration: 00:01:28
Timestamp: 00:42:16
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
Not So Much Anymore
Over 11 years, Lora (Lana Turner) finds success as a Broadway actress. Annie (Juanita Moore) continues to live with Lora as her best friend and confidant.
Duration: 00:03:24
Timestamp: 00:50:59
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
I Look It
Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) confides in Susie (Sandra Dee) about her new white boyfriend who doesn't know she's black. Lora (Lana Turner) argues with Steve (John Gavin) over an acting oppurtunity in Italy.
Duration: 00:05:28
Timestamp: 01:07:11
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
Being Colored
Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) resists Lora's (Lana Turner) request that she help serve her guests with a caricature of a colored servant.
Duration: 00:04:39
Timestamp: 01:12:36
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
You Never Asked
Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) sneaks out to see her white boyfriend Frankie (Troy Donahue), who beats her after learning she is black. Lora (Lana Turner) and Annie (Juanita Moore) are disturbed by her return home.
Duration: 00:04:25
Timestamp: 01:17:13
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
Harry's Club
Annie (Juanita Moore) learns Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) is performing at a seedy nightclub in New York City.
Duration: 00:04:30
Timestamp: 01:28:57
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
Sarah Jane, My Baby
Annie (Juanita Moore) finds Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) in California and goes to see her one last time and say goodbye.
Duration: 00:04:10
Timestamp: 01:39:16
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
Annie
Annie (Junaita Moore), on her death bed, tells Lora (Lana Turner) what she will want done after she passes.
Duration: 00:04:26
Timestamp: 01:53:39
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza
"That's My Mother" (Closing Sequence)
Lora (Lana Turner) organizes a large funeral for Annie (Juanita Moore). As the procession sets off, Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) rushes and throws herself upon her mother's coffin. Featuring Mahalia Jackson as a choir soloist.
Duration: 00:05:47
Timestamp: 01:58:02
Contributor: Eduardo Mendoza