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Poster for Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life

Seen it?

1959 | 125 min | Drama, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved The Bridges of Madison County, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 5 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 DGA Award. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 209K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Douglas Sirk

  • Lana TurnerLora Meredith
  • John GavinSteve Archer
  • Sandra DeeSusie (16)
  • Susan KohnerSarah Jane (18)
  • Robert AldaAllen Loomis
  • Dan O'HerlihyDavid Edwards
  • Juanita MooreAnnie Johnson
  • Karin DickerSarah Jane (8)
  • Terry BurnhamSusie (6)
  • John VivyanYoung Man