Movie

Imitation of Life

“THE DARING STORY OF MOTHER LOVE - On the Screen for the First Time!”

★ 7.0(88)19341h 51m

Imitation of Life is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home in United States. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 23 July 2026.

Where to watch Imitation of Life

🇺🇸 United States

Amazon VideoRent

Apple TV StoreRent

Google Play MoviesRent

Google Play MoviesBuy

YouTubeBuy

Fandango At HomeBuy

Good to know

Director: John M. Stahl
Release date: 1934-11-23
Runtime: 1h 51m
Language: English
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Universal Pictures

Imitation of Life — trailer

About Imitation of Life

Imitation of Life is a 1934 movie in the Drama and Romance genres, directed by John M. Stahl, starring Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers and Warren William. It has a runtime of 1 hour 51 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.0/10 from 88 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Imitation of Life in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.

Cast

Claudette Colbert

Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman

Louise Beavers

Delilah Johnson

Warren William

Stephen 'Steve' Archer

Rochelle Hudson

Jessie Pullman, Age 18

Ned Sparks

Elmer Smith

Fredi Washington

Peola Johnson, Age 19

Juanita Quigley

Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3

Alan Hale

Martin the Furniture Man

Henry Armetta

The Painter

Wyndham Standing

Beatrice's Butler Jarvis

Joyce Compton

Young Woman at Party (uncredited)

Noel Francis

Mrs. Eden (uncredited)

Themes & keywords

black and whitehousekeeperpancakespre-codepassing for white

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Imitation of Life in United States?+

In United States, Imitation of Life is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is Imitation of Life on Netflix?+

Imitation of Life is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is Imitation of Life?+

Imitation of Life has a runtime of 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

Who stars in Imitation of Life?+

Imitation of Life stars Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson and Ned Sparks.

When did Imitation of Life come out?+

Imitation of Life is a 1934 movie directed by John M. Stahl.

What genre is Imitation of Life?+

Imitation of Life is Drama and Romance film.

Who directed Imitation of Life?+

Imitation of Life was directed by John M. Stahl.