Comparing Imitation Of Life And 1934 Film

From the time of the creation of the first films, films have reflected the values society holds at the time of the films creation. The film Imitation of life is no different, in two films adaptations it is easy to see the society and ideals reflected in both movies. Both of the films are similar in the issues that are dealt with in them, but are depicted differently on screen because of the vast time difference between the two periods. In the 1934 Version of the film by Director John M. Stahl the plot focuses on two women one white, Bea Pullman (Claudette Colbert) and one black Delilah Johnson (Louise Beavers), finding success in America during the Great Depression all while balancing family, dealing with racism, and finding love and ultimately …show more content…
In the 1934 version of the film it is the subject of motherhood that brings both Bea and Delilah together. Bea needs help taking care of her child while she goes out to make money to care for her household, and Delilah needs a home for her and her daughter. Both of these women are linked by fact that they are both mothers trying their best to provide for their children. An example of Bea’s affection for her child would be when she gives up her happiness of being with Steve Archer because her daughter is in love with him and that if Bea marries Steve, her daughter would be unhappy. Because Bea is such a devoted mother the “ thought of [Jessie’s] unhappiness will become between [Bea and Steve’s]” relationship and ultimately decides to not marry Steve. The main difference derives from the time periods the films were made in. The 1930s version has more of a focus on family and providing for your family that the 1950s version does not have. This is primarily because of the great depression during the 1930s. Motherhood in the 1959 version contrasts with the 1934 version of the film. The former shows Lora Meredith's affection for her daughter, but also makes it clear that nothing will come between her and her dream. Annie however, does everything she can to provide for her daughter even by taking the subservient position to …show more content…
A very noticeable change to the films is the change in the main plot point which suggests at an attempt to make the film less overtly racist. The plot point that changed was how each of the white mothers achieve their good fortune. The 1934 version has Bea Pullman (Claudette Colbert) achieve her riches and success by taking her housekeeper, Delilahs (Louise Beavers), pancake recipe and using it to create a lucrative business. Which in, regards to the time period, highlights the fact that many white people achieved “good jobs and opportunities and a middle or high standard of living at the expense of blacks” (398 the hidden face of racism). While in the 1959 version the film has the main character Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) gaining her fame and fortune from her drive to achieve success in acting. Both versions however, still have Delilah/Annie in the subordinate position to the white women in the films. While in the 1934 version the racism is primarily dealt with by Delilah the 1959 version shows the racism through the experiences of Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane is pretty, young, and looks white, but because she is black she is not able to experience the “benefits, rewards and favors that accrue to European Americans because of their whiteness.” (395, The hidden face of racism). An example of her identity getting in the way of what she wants would