Sunday, September 11, 2011

Imitation of Life

The swan song of Douglas Sirk's career is another melodrama that stands the test of time with a unique twist. A struggling actress and single mother gives shelter to a homeless black woman who has her own issues with her light skinned daughter. Even though the film's focus is on the white women and its star Lana Turner, the film belongs to Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner who steal the film from Turner and Sandra Dee. Their struggles are the real ones which is heartbreaking as they fight racial injustice that tears them apart. Turner's character is rather negative as an ambitious and self-centered actress who wants fame and fortune instead of love and family. John Gavin is the male center and support in this classic tearjerker. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

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