Imitation of Life (1959)

In the lively heart of Coney Island, an ambitious widow and aspiring actress, Lora Meredith, stumbles across a heartwarming scene: her young daughter Susie, innocently playing with Sarah Jane, the 8-year-old child of homeless Annie Johnson. Touched by their encounter, Lora invites Annie and Sarah Jane into her modest New York apartment, weaving a tapestry of friendship that will bear the weight of their intertwined destinities. As Lora becomes entangled in a romantic affair with the charismatic photographer, Steve Archer, she finds herself at a crossroads—her heart yearning for love, yet her dreams whispering the siren song of Broadway stardom. This inner conflict sees Lora unintentionally neglecting Susie, while her relentless chase for fame slowly starts to overshadow their once close-knit relationship. Meanwhile, the light-skinned Sarah Jane grapples with her own identity crisis. Unable to accept her Black heritage, she yearns to be accepted as white by her friends, causing profound heartache and shame for her mother Annie. Her desperate attempt to deny her roots ultimately leads her to flee from home, stoking the fires of a personal struggle that will continue to burn brightly throughout the film. As Lora's star ascends in the world of Broadway, a chance encounter with Steve, a decade later, stirs old feelings and uncovers new ones. But while Lora was away, Steve has formed a close bond with Susie, complicating their once straightforward relationship. Amidst this emotional chaos, Sarah Jane's relentless pursuit of a different identity continues to haunt the lives of those she left behind. Imitation of Life paints a vivid picture of ambition, identity, and the often turbulent waters of motherhood, all set against the vibrant backdrop of life in 1950s New York.

Imitation of Life is a drama movie featuring Lana Turner and directed by Douglas Sirk.

It is possible to buy Imitation of Life on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.