Imitation of Life (1934 film)

Imitation of Life is a 1934 American melodrama film directed by John M. Stahl. The screenplay by William Hurlbut, based on the 1933 novel by Fannie Hurst, was augmented by eight additional uncredited writers, including Preston Sturges and Finley Peter Dunne. The film stars Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks, and Louise Beavers.

The film was originally released by Universal Pictures on November 26, 1934, and re-released in 1936. A 1959 remake was directed by Douglas Sirk. In 2005, Imitation of Life was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It was also named by Time in 2007 as one of "The 25 Most Important Films on Race". It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Assistant Director, and Best Sound Recording at the 7th Academy Awards.