Original and Remake: Imitation of Life

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Here's my second installment for Original and Remake. This time I'm focusing on Imitation of Life.  This film has 2 versions the original from 1934 and the remake in 1959.



Imitation of Life (1934)
Starring: Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington
Directed By: John M. Stahl
* This is the original version. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards but won none.




Imitation of Life (1959)
Starring: Lana Turner, Junita Moore, Susan Kohner
Directed By: Douglas Sirk
* This is the remake. It was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, supporting actress for Junita Moore and Susan Kohner but won none. 


Both of these films have good points for reasons to watch. The original version actually cast a fair-skinned African American actress to play Peola and I really like that. However, the remake has it's perks too. Yes, it's a glossy technicolor and I know that can overcoat certain scenes but a part of me really prefers the colorized version. A few key points to point out: This version seems to show more of Annie's and Sarah Jane's relationship than the original, Mahalia Jackson's performing at Annie's funeral is a moving scene and we kinda see Sandra Dee in something where it's not such a fluff piece- True she doesn't have any hard-hitting scenes but it's not the cutesy scenes from Gidget. So if you are only to see one I'd say the remake but if you have time to watch both please do. 




Until Next Time,
Ashley A. 

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