Imitation of Life

An emotional drama, Imitation of Life centers around two mother/daughter relationships. Lora (Lana Turner) is an actress whose daughter Suzie (Sandra Dee) feels neglected by her famous mother. Both fall in love with Steve (John Gavin) which naturally causes problems. The second relationship involves mother Annie (Juanita Moore) a black woman whose daughter Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) passes as white. Sarah Jane wishes to remain in the social world of the white, while her mother calls it a sin for her offspring to pretend she is something she is not. Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson plays herself and performs "Trouble of the World" at the end of the film, a poignant reminder that underscores the theme of the movie.