Review of Imitation of Life (1959) by Allan C — 18 Apr 2017

Of director Douglas Sirk's many fine films, this may arguably be his best (though I still think "All That Heaven Allows" is my favorite). The film follows aspiring actress Lana Turner on her way to the top in the acting world, while also being a single mother and her close relationship with her black housekeeper, Juanita Moore.

Much of the film's drama revolves around Turner and Moore's daughters. Sandra Dee plays Turner's pretty blond daughter, but it's Susan Kohner as Moore's daughter who is mixed race and can pass for white who manages to steal the film.

"Imitation of Life" tackles racism head on in way that was rarely done in major Hollywood films of this time. As someone who is mixed-race themself, this film does have a lot of moments that I found very identifiable with through Kohner's character, which is interesting that film on this topic made almost 70 years ago is still relevant today.

Kohner was nominated for a Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, but unfortunately lost out. I wasn't all that familiar with Kohner's biography, but I was fascinated to learn that she was the daughter of Lupita Tovar and Paul Kohner, the star and the producer of the famous Universal Picture Spanish language version of "Dracula.

" She's also the mother of Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz, who wrote wrote some fine films including "In Good Company" and the new Star Wars film, "Rogue One." But back to the Sirk film, this is a true Hollywood classic that is a must see for all film fans!