Imitation of Life
1934, English. Directed by John M. Stahl.
THE DARING STORY OF MOTHER LOVE - On the Screen for the First Time!
A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.0/10 from 89 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online.
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Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- John M. StahlDirector
- Claudette ColbertBeatrice 'Bea' Pullman
- Louise BeaversDelilah Johnson
- Warren WilliamStephen 'Steve' Archer
- Rochelle HudsonJessie Pullman, Age 18
- Ned SparksElmer Smith
- Fredi WashingtonPeola Johnson, Age 19
- Juanita QuigleyBaby Jessie Pullman, Age 3
- Alan HaleMartin the Furniture Man
- Henry ArmettaThe Painter
- Wyndham StandingBeatrice's Butler Jarvis
- Joyce ComptonYoung Woman at Party (uncredited)
- Noel FrancisMrs. Eden (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 23 November 1934
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- William Hurlbut
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News & fan talk
What Imitation of Life is based on
Imitation of Life is based on Imitation of Life (1933) by Fannie Hurst, published by Peter F. Collier.
1933
Imitation of Life
By Fannie Hurst
Published by Peter F. Collier
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Imitation of Life: quick answers
Is Imitation of Life worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.0/10 from 89 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life runs 111 minutes (1h 51m).
Does Imitation of Life have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Imitation of Life. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Imitation of Life parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Imitation of Life yet.
Which OTT platform is Imitation of Life on?
Imitation of Life isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Imitation of Life?
If you liked Imitation of Life, try Baby Face, The Cabin in the Cotton, One Way Passage.
Who directed Imitation of Life?
Imitation of Life (1934) was directed by John M. Stahl and stars Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William.
What is Imitation of Life based on?
Imitation of Life is based on Imitation of Life (1933) by Fannie Hurst, published by Peter F. Collier.