Imitation Of Life (1959): Lana Turner Stars In Classic Melodrama

Imitation of Life (1959) is one of the most iconic melodramas in Hollywood history. Starring Lana Turner, John Gavin and Sandra Dee, it tells the story of a mother struggling to make ends meet while raising two daughters. The film is an emotional roller coaster that explores themes of ambition, racism and family dynamics. With its beautiful cinematography and lush soundtrack, Imitation of Life is a timeless classic that will stay with you long after the credits roll. In addition to its strong performances, this movie also features stunning costumes and set designs that bring the story to life. Whether you’re looking for a heart-warming drama or simply want to experience some nostalgia, Imitation of Life is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

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Imitation of Life (1959) Review

Imitation of Life (1959) is an iconic classic that captures the heart and soul of America. Directed by Douglas Sirk, this film stars Lana Turner, John Gavin and Sandra Dee in a drama about two women struggling to maintain their independence and identity while facing the everyday challenges of life. This beloved movie is one that everyone should watch at least once – it will leave you with a feeling of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Key Features:
1. An iconic classic directed by Douglas Sirk
2. Stars Lana Turner, John Gavin and Sandra Dee
3. A dramatic story about two women’s struggle for identity
4. A powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity
5. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video

The 1959 version of Imitation of Life has been praised as one of the most significant films in American cinema history. The story follows two single mothers – Lora Meredith (Lana Turner), a white actress, and Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore), an African American widow – as they fight to find success and security in their lives while raising their daughters. As their paths intertwine, they must confront social prejudice, personal loss, and other struggles along the way as they seek out what true happiness looks like. This touching film will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about life’s hard truths.

Filled with powerful performances from its star-studded cast, Imitation of Life is sure to stay with you long after you’ve seen it. Whether you’re looking for a moving drama or just want to revisit a classic film from your childhood, this movie is sure to satisfy all your nostalgic cravings! Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video for an unforgettable experience!

Product Details

Product	Imitation of Life (1959)
Released	1959
Starring	Lana Turner	John Gavin
Starring	Sandra Dee	Mahalia Jackson
Director(s)	Douglas Sirk
Director(s)	Genre	Drama , Romance

Imitation of Life (1959) Pros and Cons

1. Pros
Imitation of Life (1959) is a classic American drama movie directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner, Sandra Dee, and John Gavin. This film has been hailed as one of the greatest films of all time by critics and audiences alike. It tells the stories of two single mothers struggling to make ends meet in 1950s America, both trying to find their place in society.

Pros:

It has an amazing cast with great acting performances

The story is powerful, moving and poignant

The cinematography and art direction are brilliantly done

It has some iconic scenes that are still remembered today

2. Cons
Though the movie has many merits, there are also some drawbacks worth mentioning. The narrative can be slow at times and may not appeal to those looking for a fast-paced action-packed story. Additionally, some viewers may find the themes explored in the movie a bit outdated or even offensive.

Cons:

The pace can be slow for some viewers

The themes explored might be considered outdated or offensive

Who are They for

Imitation of Life (1959) is a timeless classic starring Lana Turner. This romantic drama follows the lives of two women as they both struggle to find their true identities. The story follows Annie Johnson, a young white woman who tries to raise her daughter Lora with the help of her black housekeeper, Delilah. As the two become friends, each struggles to find success and acceptance in society.

The film features an Academy Award-nominated performance from Juanita Moore as Delilah. Moore’s powerful portrayal of a strong African American woman trying to make her way in life captures the audience’s hearts. Her story reflects on themes of identity, love, and family relationships.

Imitation of Life also stars Sandra Dee, John Gavin, and Dan O’Herlihy. The movie was directed by Douglas Sirk and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. It continues to be one of Hollywood’s most iconic films and is considered one of Turner’s best performances.

If you’re looking for a classic film with timeless themes and powerful performances, then Imitation of Life is a must-see! Don’t miss this captivating drama about finding one’s place in the world.

My Experience for Imitation of Life (1959)

When I first watched Imitation of Life, I felt like I had stepped into a time machine! The movie stars Lana Turner, Sandra Dee and John Gavin and is set in the late 1950s. It tells the story of a young widow trying to make ends meet for herself and her daughter.

The movie does an incredible job of capturing the nuances of race relations in the South during this era. There are some lighthearted moments that show the struggles faced by African American families, but also some poignant scenes that show how far we still have to go.

I loved how Imitation of Life blended comedy and drama together so seamlessly. The chemistry between Lana Turner and Sandra Dee was palpable, making me feel like I was part of their family.

John Gavin’s performance as a struggling single father also resonated with me – his struggles reminded me of my own experiences as a single mom trying to make ends meet for my daughter.

Overall, Imitation of Life is an amazing film with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for laughs or tears, this classic will not disappoint!

What I don’t Like

1. Poor video and audio quality
2. Limited special features
3. Some of the original dialogue has been omitted
4. The film is presented in its original black-and-white format
5. No subtitles are available
6. Unremarkable packaging

How to Experience Life-Changing Moments with Imitation of Life (1959)

Imitation of Life (1959) is an iconic American drama film starring Lana Turner, John Gavin and Sandra Dee. The film follows two single mothers, Bea Pullman and Lora Meredith, as they struggle to find success in their lives while struggling to keep the relationship between their daughters intact. This classic film has been acclaimed for its powerful themes and performances, making it a must-see for any film lover.

If you’re looking for a movie that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, then Imitation of Life is the perfect choice. Through its poignant story and captivating performances, the movie will show you how life can be unpredictable at times and how second chances can bring about life-changing moments. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of Imitation of Life:

Pay attention to the details. One of the things that makes Imitation of Life such a memorable experience is its attention to detail. As you watch the movie, pay close attention to the visuals and dialogue to really appreciate all that it has to offer.
Think about the characters. Each character in Imitation of Life has their own story which can help us gain insight into the human condition. Take time to think about why each character is making certain decisions and how it affects their relationships with others.
Analyze the plot. While watching Imitation of Life, try to analyze how each scene contributes to the overall plot and message of the movie. Doing so can help you better understand what’s happening and make more sense out of it.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to get even more out of your viewing experience with Imitation of Life. So grab your popcorn, settle in for a night under the stars, and get ready for one unforgettable cinematic journey!

Questions about Imitation of Life (1959)

What is Imitation of Life (1959)?

Imitation of Life (1959) is an acclaimed drama film directed by Douglas Sirk and starring Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, Sandra Dee, and John Gavin. It tells the story of two single mothers who become friends and raise their daughters together.

How does Imitation of Life (1959) explore themes?

Imitation of Life (1959) explores many themes, including race, class, gender, love, and family dynamics. The film examines how racism affects both mothers and their daughters in different ways, as well as the consequences of living a life that is a facade or “imitation” of one’s true self.

What awards did Imitation of Life (1959) receive?

Imitation of Life (1959) was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Lana Turner. The film also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2006.

Where can I watch Imitation of Life (1959)?

You can watch Imitation of Life (1959) on Amazon Prime Video. You can purchase or rent the film from Amazon’s streaming service or purchase the DVD or Blu-ray version to own forever.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!