In one scene, Sarah Jane sneaks to meet her white boyfriend, played by Troy Donohue, who beats her upon discovering she is black. Hirsch regaled the film, discussing many important scenes within the movie. The screening was part of the Academy’s ongoing Monday Film Series "Monday Nights with Oscar." Call 88 for info on future Academy screenings. The screening was moderated by author and Brooklyn College film professor Foster Hirsch. A screening of Imitation of Life was held October 17th in tribute to the two stars at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International. Recently the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored both actresses with a luncheon coordinated by Events Director Patrick Harrison. She wants a life unrestrained by color distinctions and prohibitions. Sarah Jane is aware of the inequality between living White and living Black. It is very difficult for her to be a light skinned black person perceived as white by the majority of the world. There is no doubt that Sarah Jane loves her mother but becomes desperate to escape her imitation life. Turner and Dee also have momentary tension between them when they both fall in love with the same man played by John Gavin. The picture is especially poignant and heart rendering due in large part to the great performances given by Moore and Kohner whose strained relationship is a pivotal part of the movie. Both Susan Kohner and Juanita Moore won an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the movie. Kohners mother was Mexican actress Lupita Tovar and father Czech producer/agent Paul Kohner. Though not Black, Susan Kohner portrayed Sarah Jane. Unfortunately, Annie is not having success mothering her own child, Sara Jane, who denies her mother and becomes obsessed with passing herself off as white. ![]() Lora eventually realizes fame is a mere imitation compared to what really matters in life. Annie also becomes a substitute mother to Susie as Lora continues to achieve fame. Annie gives Lora a degree of status which eventually brings about Lora’s first big break. Initially Annie agrees to work only for room and board, caring for Lora’s home and child while Lora goes on auditions. Lora and Annie strike up a bargain to aid one another. Annie’s very fair skinned husband abandoned her and it is difficult for her to find work as a Domestic because she refuses to leave her equally fair skinned daughter behind. Her attempts to forge a career in New York City as a model/actress, is not going well. Widowed, Lora is struggling to survive with her daughter Susie (Sandra Dee). Producer Ross Hunter and Director Douglas Sirk’s "Imitation of Life" is a melodrama depicting two mothers who have a chance meeting during a period when their lives are in turmoil. It seems the 1934 version was more progressive while the 1959 version was more heart rendering and unforgettable. In the 1959 version, Annie Johnson was housekeeper to Lora Meredith. Outside of the name changes, the 1934 version portrayed the two women as business partners and friends. The 1934 version starred Claudette Colbert as Bea Pullman, Louise Beavers as Delilah Johnson and fair hued actress Freddie Washington as Peola. Its story demonstrates what happens when racist attitudes and otherwise, force people to become an imitation of self, rather than be accepted for who they truly are. ![]() It is the story of 4 women during a time period when, at least for African Americans, race relations were difficult at best. Moore co-starred with Lana Turner (Lora Meredith) who wears no less than 34 glamorous outfits in the 1959 film version of "Imitation of Life," a classic film that will go down in the annals of motion picture history as one of the best films ever made. ![]() Many will remember the African American actress for her remarkable performance as Annie Johnson. Suffice it to say the actress has lived a full life. On October 19th Juanita Moore celebrated her birthday.
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