My commentary video on what happened to the actress who played Sarah Jane in the classic movie Imitation Of Life. Follow Me On Social Networks: Twitter: / terryswoope Facebook Page: / terryswoope1
Agree Mr Swoopes the actress Freddie Washington was proud of her race and heritage and could of passed for white easily had green eyes but she chose not to and became a civil rights activist and married a black civil rights activist. Also agree that the 1959 version was better only because it was in 1959 more drama in color, not black and white And we could Identify with the movie more. Loved Mahalia Jackson's Trouble of the World funeral scene solo and Juanita Moore as Annie👍👍Susan Kohner claimed to be of Mexican descent One of my FAVS alltime fav movie👍👍👍👍
@@TerrySwoopeVideos Susan Kohner's sons are Chris and Paul Weitz they are film producers and directors. They are known for the famous comedy American Pie.
Can you please tell the story of actress and screenwriter ,Ellen Holly, she's my inspiration to become a fascinating community activist and entertainer. I read her book and it was straight up phenomenal. Thanks- mr. Swoopes
Yes I agree, I also cry every time I watch it. Especially at the seen when MaryJane runs to the hurst her mother's casket was riding in after the funeral. 😭
I do not cry at movie’s, however every time I see the ending I cry as well. I cry 😭 as if I’ve never seen the 🍿 🎥 movie. Lol The 1959 version was an excellent movie. I didn’t like the 30’s version it was boring and hard to follow.
@@yolieb2905 Yes! This movie touch my heart, thankfully I have my mother 83yrs old! Blessed. That's a beautiful song and Ms Jackson, has that great voice. ❤
The 1959 film was quite ahead of its time. Although Annie was a domestic worker, she was portrayed with dignity and not patronization. When Annie died it was revealed she had a full life outside her job as a domestic worker. And Lana Turner showed real regret and surprise to learn how widely respected Annie was.
They were letting you catch a glimpse of how it was back then, how most domestic workers were thought of as their only life, was centered around working, for them, with no other outside interest. My mother was a domestic worker, in the '60s, but the people she worked for were very kind, to us, and took an interest in all of us. Christmas they would bring boxes of clothes, and food, and even attended some of our school activities. Even offered to give my mama a car, but she turned it down, I guess because she couldn't drive, but it was a nice gesture. So you sure can't clump everyone, of any race, into one barrel. All are not the same, there is good and bad, in everyone.✌
I was brought up in a very "white" area of London and loved doing Scientific experiments in my Mom's bathroom - mixing potions, so was blessed to follow my passion becoming a research scientist. I saw An Imitation of Life when very young and it left a deep impression on me. But as if by premonition my Daughter is blonde green-grey eyed, could "pass" and studied the performing arts. But, unlike her darker Brother with more Afrikan features, my daughter is very Culturally aware, and proud of her mixed heritage. My fears of rejection were allayed when she was very young - begged to be Junior Carnival Queen wokin' up on Notting Hill, Barbados and Trinidad streets, started a Gospel Choir in High school and teaches Afrikan dance traditions after school to the delight of her Students' parents. Phew
I saw *Imitation of Life* in a drive-in theater with my family when I was seven years old in 1959. I have watched it many times since, even very recently, and always cry at the end. In fact, just thinking about it makes my eyes tear. Juanita Moore was incredible in this film. And Mahalia Jackson was amazing. I sob when she sings "Trouble of the World" in the closing scene. *Thank you, sir, for covering this masterpiece.* Signed: A White San Francisco Native
I really enjoyed this movie also; but I never realized the 1959 movie wasn't the original. And you're so right, those classics from yesteryear are so much better; no special effects, no filthy language, no nudity and superior acting. Thanks for posting.
@@nelixsulu6201 No, Garbo had a long career in Hollywood and she became a reclusive in her NY apt. I eat chi classic movies and I have read about actors from the golden era
She walked away because she had class ! I also believe she would have had a hard time getting roles if she stayed. People would always think of her as Sara Jane and she would be type cast. One last thing at times in the movie she looked like a black woman. When she came into the room with the shrimp [crawdads] in a bowl on her head. Susan is also mixed race. Don't forget she is Jewish and Mexican Her father was Eastern European. I saw her in other roles playing women of color. She played a Native American in a western movie She would never be allowed to play white non ethnic parts. They used her but, She through them away ! She had the last say. That's Class !
I only watched this once. I cried so hard when she ran behind the casket of her mama asking forgiveness. I can't watch this again. That girl was so selfish towards her mama. And what an amazing actress who played her mama. You could see the heartbreak and torment in her eyes the last time she came to see her and pretended to be her former maid💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
I wonder if maybe playing that role made her take the message of the movie seriously, causing her to step away from the pursuit of fame to pursue a family centered life instead. Apparently her children grew up as great successes. It payed off.
I loved this movie. I was 10 years old in 1959 and this film affected me the rest of my life. It taught me about love, racism, prejudice and hate. It taught me compassion and empathy for the black race (and I was only 10!!) I cried for a very long long time every time I saw this movie. It will always be my favorite one. I thank God for the lessons it taught me.
My mom introduced me to this great movie. Whenever we could watch it together we would and just cry our eyes out. To me the moral of the story is that regardless of color or creed the bond between mother and daughter is undeniable. I’m crying just thinking about my mom now gone 20 years...”mama”
I had forgotten that part. Yes, she wore her mother down, trying to run after her, and be rejected. But you couldn't help but feel love for Sarah Jane behind that confession, and the breakdown at the hearst. That young lady played that role, superbly. ✌
Seen it a hundred or more times. It also speaks to all the regrets we have when our mother dies or our father, or someone in our life that we burned a bridge. Too late. I'm tearing up, just writing this. Yes yes yes Oscar winning performances.
The scene when she was calling out for her mother when she passed was tear dropping for me. My mother made sure I watched that movie when I was younger.
Imitation of Life will always be one of my favorite movies! I can remember my grandmother, mother and I watching the movie and all of us bawling when Mahalia Jackson started singing!! Oh and for the record, Juanita Moore (Annie)did receive both an Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe nomination as Best Supporting Actress for her OUTSTANDING performance in this movie.
Wonderful commentary!!! My mom introduced “A Imitation of Life “ to me!!! I have seen this movie over 100 times myself! Like watching it for the first time! It never gets old to me! I’ve seen both versions and I like the second version better!!! It’s a tear jerker for me! I cry at the end of the movie for the mother and daughter because it took her mother’s death, for her to realize how much of a good and loving mother she was to her! Her mother wanting to see her for the last time, before she died!! Lawd have mercy TRAGIC!!! Good acting!! Yes, they should have at least been nominated for an Oscar!!!
I agree that the later version was the better one, both for the actor’s performances and the cinematography. And let’s not forget costume design. Lana Turner‘s wardrobe in the 1959 version was something to behold. It was a tear jerker, and they all deserved to be nominated for awards. Especially the actress who played Annie.
My favorite of all times I still cry every time I see this movie, I am a only child my mother worked hard for me and she has dementia now is my time I could never deny my mother., no matter what the situation is, there are so many ungrateful children who have no morals or respect for their parents.
I believe this was the movie Lana Turner became one of my favorite actresses because I just loved how you could just feel the love she had for Juanita Moore, in the movie. Hollywood definitely typecasted the right characters to play this movie, everyone just fit like a puzzle. I don't know how Hollywood do it but they usually always pick the right one for role.✌
I've also probably seen that movie 100 times myself..and just like one of the people in the comments I still shed tears when Sarah Jane runs to her mother's casket crying saying "Mama..I'm sorry Mama"!! I'm welling up right now writing this comment!
I saw the 1959 version. And I agree with you. The "death scene" alone should have won an Academy Award for Juanita Moore!!! I can't tell you how many tears I have shed watching this film. It was a tradition with a few friends for many years to watch this movie once a year with 4 or 5 boxes of Kleenex!!!
I always thought her mother died of a broken heart. She loved Sarah Jane so much. When she visited her the last time , I felt she was just tired and in order to release Sarah Jane so that she could live as a white woman, she just laid down and died. The ultimate sacrifice.
Yes, it was heartbreak. Sarah Jane was her only child, always her baby, that she loved so much, so when she rejected her, she lost her will to live. And as you said it was the ultimate sacrifice, if it meant the only way for her baby girl to be happy, was to be white, she would just stay out the picture. As it turned out, that wasn't what Sarah Jane wanted at all. I could see throughout the picture she loved her mama, even though she was harsh with her sometimes the love was still there. She was just a confused little girl, seeing one side of life, the white privelege, and thinking she could only pass as white, to get that. The love of your race, is freedom, for you'll never look at any other race as being better than you. God made all races, and what God makes is beautiful, and He made different races so that we can learn from them. Everyone has something to bring to the table. ✌
The scene of Sarah Jane at her mom's funeral gets me every time! I cry like a baby. I'm also very moved by the greatest gospel singer of all time Mahalia Jackson! Great movie and a true classic.
@@lwoods9482 you do know who I'm talking about is white right. The white woman that played a light skinned white woman in the movie in the second versions, the 1950's version. I don't see her having trouble getting any roles in early Hollywood.
From what I am to understand, there was a rumor on the true nature of her ethnicity and it was difficult for her to find work as a caucasian actress because of the rumor.
You also should include a reference to the movie “Pinky” (1949) with Ethel Waters. The white actress Jeanne Crain played a light-skinned black nurse who returns home to her black mother. Excellent movie.
thank you Terry for this commentary! I'm 65 yrs, old and this one of my favorite movies of all time, along with "Lassie Come Home" , also a real tear jerker!! I remember going to the theater and the drive-in with my parents and my mother cried so hard like she was at her own mother's funeral! I didnt know there was a 1934 version and the bio on the actress who played the mixed daughter is very interesting. Thanks again. Check out the Lassie movie, it was Elizabeth Taylor's first film as a child..
I grew up watching both versions with my mom. Even as a young child, I could never watch either movie without crying my eyes out. I must have seen both versions at least 10 times over my life & it hurt me so badly that I stopped watching it completely. I just couldn’t bear to see the pain in Sarah Jane’s mother’s eyes each time her daughter rejected her. As much as it hurts my heart to watch it, I think every person of color should see it at least once. It’s a stark and raw portrayal of racism, self-hatred, a mother’s love and the human condition.
The movie was so heart felt, biracial children need to watch, because some of them struggle with who they are, and the challenges they face, but we all do. Learn to love yourself.
But the character of Sarah Jane is NOT biracial! Miscegenation was not something Hollywood or America as a whole was comfortable with. I haven't seen the movie in years, but I believe Annie explains that Sarah Jane's father was a light skinned black man as were many in his family.
Loved the 1959 version. Excellent acting by all 4 ladies. I felt the emotional pain both mothers endured, particularly Ms. Moore's character. A strong, beautiful woman wanting to give her daughter every advantage yet unable to understand her daughter's pain. Great movie!
I first saw this movie when I was about 13 yrs old.. My Mother wanted me to watch it..It has always been one of my favorite movie’s! We both cried every time we would watch it! Great job on your commentary! Thank you 🙏 for this!
My mother sat me and my siblings and friends to watch this when we were kids. None of us knew how much we would cry. This movie epitomizes how deeply the filth of racism can sink into every part of our lives. Now I can pass this movie onto the younger ones to teach them something.
You're right, when the boyfriend dumped her after he found out she was part black. I first saw the movie when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I wasn't paying much attention to the movie, until I saw it again years later.
The most wonderful movie made in Hollywood... I just got finished watching 8/7/2023 it came on TCM and I'm crying like a baby... Just Want say, his commentary would have been better if he could get Ms. Juanita Moore's name right. 😅
In 1959 I was 16 years old and when Mahalia Jackson started singing Troubles of The World I couldn't help myself, I cried like a baby. I went on to see both versions of the movie and enjoyed them both. But yes I agree the ' 59 movie was the better of the two.
Hi I'm 65 and the first time I saw that 1959 movie I watched it with my mom and I was a young girl...I cried like a baby..with her..it's A very great movie..and one of our favorites ..Thank you for talking about that movie..and it's stars..much love...
Just want to mention another movie similar to this one, called “ Pinky” starring Jeanne Crain 1949. She also passes for white and actually is dating a white doctor. But she does accepts her ethnicity and starts a nursing school for black women. Great movie!
@@tinag4929 - I remember the nursing school she founded, but I don't remember PINKY being gut-wrenching like Imitation of Life. I could be wrong because I had already seen Imitation of Life SO many times that PINKY really didn't affect me very much - it wasn't powerful in the way Imitation of Life was powerful.
Pinky was a great movie, I hope that there are no remakes of today's Hollywood of these classic movies just let them be for us to remember them by and enjoy...
It was a much better as well. All 3 actresses were nominated for an Oscar! I don't know how rare that is, but I know it was much entertaining that Imitation of Life. And I saw the latter as a child, and loved it totally, still do. But clearly, Pinky is a better film. Better writing, better acting, better directing, better filming.
No, for me the crying part is the best of the film. When I haven't cried in a while I'll put that film on and I'll get my tissues ready because it's guaranteed, LOL.
How I cry every time I see this movie. I was 9 years old when I saw it for the first time. The movie theater was full and my mother seated me in her lap. Young as I was, I cried so much, because I was an orphan of father and my mother was my only loved support. When I was doing a postdoctoral at Texas A&M in 1983, my mother died in Argentina, and I was turn out. How some people can deny the love of a good mother. I know that the movie is about racism and prejudice; I pray that human beings will be overruled of this illness ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am from Jamaica and our local TV station would air this movie every Mother's Day and my mother and I would look forward to watching it. This movie is a very impressionable and positive movie that teaches unconditional love
i am a big fan of old movies ....love them...it has rubbed off on my daughter....i have watched this movie since a was a kid..i still love it and still fascinated by it...one of the best....my daughter she is a Bette Davis fan.
The two women didn’t just live together. The black Woman was the House keeper. That movie also sold due to the riveting performance of Mahalia Jackson singing troubles of the world.
I’ve watched. The movie over one hundred times growing up with my mother. The daughter lived there. The mother was there everyday for many many hours. My point was the person said they lived together. The mother was the housekeeper. He failed to mention that and made it seem like they were roommates I misspoke. I meant the daughter lived there
I8thumper what does any of that have to do with what the narrator said? Absolutely nothing. He mentioned the success of the movie without mentioning Mahalia Jackson’s performance. Your comment makes no sense to the discussion. She was also a stripper. There’s a reason that wasn’t mentioned. It has nothing to do with the discussion.
@@Rbhawk3rd They both lived together but in separate quarters. Both are poor at the beginning. In fact, the Black mother has no place to live when they meet, so she suggests they live together and she'd act as a housekeeper and sitter for the white child as the White mother seeks a career. She becomes wealthy and the Black mother still is the housekeeper.
@@Rbhawk3rd Watch the movie again. The black woman and daughter lived (in a small room) with Lana Turner and her daughter. Yes, she was her housekeeper--AND FRIEND. That is why the black girl was able to go to the white school--and that is also why Lana Turner enrolled her and not her mother. Remember that the black mother had nowhere to live due to the death of her husband. That's what made Lana Turner let her live with her. Lana didn't just hire her as a "maid" because Lana didn't have much money (by the looks of that apartment) herself. The black woman cleaned and cooked for her in exchange for room and board. You should watch the movie again.
One of the reasons I like the original better is because the two women seemed to be more equal. The black woman was not portrayed as the white woman's hired help.
They sure did Paul! The only reason, that I see that they didn't win one was because, they were both playing themselves! Both ladies were actually mixed in real life! Oscars are given to people who play a character quit different from themselves! And that is acting, at it's best!
Imitation of Life, the '50 version, was just about everyone's favorite movie. The mother, Juanita Moore, captured my heart, esp, because she looked so much like my mother, and the sweetness of her voice, and gentle ways, though my mother could get tough when she had to be. Juanita Moore had me crying from that movie, because you could just hear the heartbreaking pain in her voice, when Sarah Jane would hurt her, even the classroom scene. I agree she should have gotten an award from that movie, and also Susan Kohner, for that funeral scene. I believe this movie woke a lot of people up, esp to treating their mother better. A real tearjerker. Thanks✌❤🙏🌷🌲🎵💃
Juanita Moore was almost 100 years old when she passed. She was still gorgeous. But it seems like you focused more on how beautiful the other actress aged.
The video he made was about where the daughter was because she is still alive. If you want to you can make a video about how Beautiful the mother was, you can do that. Good Grief. You are right though she was a very beautiful woman and a very good actress.
Agree - the video person Terry Swoop seems to have had a crush on the white girl playing the black daughter - he constantly focused how beautiful she was. She was pretty, yes, but the half black girl in the first show was very pretty also - Freddie Washington.
Me too! I was eight years old when my mother took me and my 2 sisters to the Drive-In to see it in 1959. I cried so hard - still watch it today - still cry every time! Yes - I've seen "Pinky" too! Have you seen "Band of Angels" with Yvonne DeCarlo, Clark Gable and Sidney Poitier? It's not a tear jerk-er but it's a good bi-racial movie too.
For some reason, my mom did not want us to watch the Bad Seed. Of course me and my siblings snuck and watched it. Rhoda was a true little bitch and deserved that lighting strike at the end.
Loved your coverage on this film. Just like you said. The classics were so great. All about the acting. Excellent movie and acting❤ Thank you for sharing
This movie should be required viewing for every African American person over the age of 14. To explain self hatred, this film would be considered a rude awakening !!!
@@michelegreen3305 you can love yourself,and know want you are,but can have a preference for another race,just because your black does not mean you can't date or prefer another race,plus it was the 60's
@@gloriabowie5629 yea Im 50, I know. The #Light one said she doesn't want to be dark like her sister. The young lady didn't want to be dark like her mother. Its a problem in our culture. #Perfect Tool #SelfLove
Omg I'm so happy I came across this! I havnt been able to remember the name of this movie for a very long time! When I saw this video, it was almost like a gift! It was my mother's favorite movie of all time! My mom passed of breast cancer in 1985, 10 days b4 my 22nd birthday! I miss her so! But thanks to u, tomorrow, I can watch it! Tomorrow also is my mother's birthday! Thank you for this blessing!!!!!!! It means more than u will ever know!
My father showed this movie at his theater when I was 9 yrs old. I was a child who was affected by the acting on the screen. ..the emotion...the girl who was ashamed of her mother...til the funeral. The girl's crying and regrets stayed with me all of my life. You are So right about this film. People need to see it NOW. We are all ONE in the eyes of God.
@@haveagreatday2823 Exactly...so believable....I am 70...would not have seen it, but my dad owned a mom & pop theatre. That's why I saw it at that age. It was something else.
Paula Smith Me too! I was so sad for Ms Annie, I loved my own mother so much I couldn’t understand why she didn’t love her mom, or be proud of who she was. Made no sense to me. We weren’t raid to be indifferent to people of color. I was born in 1951.
Back in the '60s, they played it, about once a year, just as they played 10Commanments, every Easter, and I think they should go back to doing that. It's just something about those movies, that set your heart right.✌
I love this movie...at the end..she was so sorry she treated her mother like that...😢😭 And when I saw her running after her mother's casket...I have to try hard to fight back the tears..it is so sad.😢 When...I saw it for the first time...I actually did cry...😭 The funeral scene...thats how I want to leave this earth...let the world know ...I was here and now leaving.. R.I.P to the cast that's gone..but will never be forgotten..💐🌸🌷🌹🌻🌺💐🌸🌻🌹🌸🌷
It always breaks my heart when Moore goes to her daughter's school to bring her a raincoat and umbrella. When she walks into the classroom, the daughter visibly shrinks because she's been passing for white and doesn't want to acknowledge that Moore is her mother. Gets me every time.
It's nice to leave in style. To me tho, it's more important how, you live. I find people put on a form and fashion, and really have no since of love or respecr, when your living. The person in the casket won't know about how, they leave this world, and when your a live people hide, after funeral's. Never keep in touch, . My mom had Cancer and I'm an only child with no kid's, or husband. Haven't heard from them since. Why I say why not show up, and love the living as you do, when their gone.
@@crystalsmith4187 I agree with you Crystal Smith 100% I lost my mama...and I have no children either...but I do have a sister...whom I love dearly. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have her...in my life. I thank GOD...that my mother had two kids.. I know you don't know me..but if you believe in JESUS CHRIST....you have a new sister in Christ ok..my name is Pamela...
I watched this movie has a little girl with with my grandmother she passed away at the age of 61..... on to this day I still watch this movie with tears in my eyes ....
I love this movie so much. I had to watch it in order to incorporate it into a synthesis paper I was doing, and I cried. I want to rewatch it again, but that ending scene is too much for me. It’s just way too emotional. I am forever grateful to my professor for introducing it to me.
This is my favorite movie of all time ! I was 3 years old at the time of its release in 1959 but grew up watching this version with my mom! Hope to see it once again.
No question "Imitation Of Life" was a WONDERFUL MOVIE, but I've only watched it a couple of times. To me, it was just HEART BREAKING how she turned away from her mother, especially a mother as LOVING as hers!!!!
The 1959 version is one of my Top 10 movies. My mother made it a point for me to watch this not only for the racial content, but also just to learn how to respect and love your mother while she is alive because when she is gone...she's gone.
Oh my god this is the best my mom sat me down many years ago 2 watch this movie she said we need a box of Kleenex tissues I said no way growing up in the South Bronx of course I cried so much no joke it’s the best. I have both Rosen’s put away all my children to see one day it’s one of my favorite thank you for sharing. Franky 143. I lived in the Bronx. Years ago
The best one is when Mahalia jackson sings at the Funeral🙏🏾 I had both copies on cassette tape,but would always look for the one with Mahalia Jackson in it. Her voice, that marching band, and Peaolia rushing through the crowd to lay on her Mother's casket performing for the crowd with her Crocodile tears apologizing for the way she treated her when she was alive but it was too late!!!!
Isn't it sad that a person would want to "pass"? It speaks to how difficult it can be to be black. Society doesn't make one feel that being black is a good thing. This is coming from a biracial person who could have "passed" but whose heart wouldn't be able to.
What's sad is that a person with a white parent was shunned for claiming her white heritage. Racism had us all tricked. Think about it. Y'all so willing to say a biracial person is black, but get mad when they claim white -- even though they're just as white, as they are black. Furthermore, based on skin color, the majority of them were white, 'passing' for black.
@@lql1094 My Jamaican grandmother's aunt, passed for white, she was extremely light skin with green eyes and wavy black hair. She looked southern Italian. My grandmother said her aunt, met a white English man, who was visiting Jamaica. She pretended she was a orphan, and pretended she was a European Italian woman. She married him, and they moved to England. She used to write letters and send money back to our black family in Jamaica. She never revealed to her husband about her black family. When My Jamaican grandmother became a adult, she met my grandfather, and they came to England in 1949, during the Windrush period......my grandmother got in contact with her white passing aunt, they met up in secret, a few times, but then her aunt died suddenly. she could not contact her aunts children, or white husband, because they knew nothing about the black family. Her aunt's children think they are white. My grandmother did not bother to tell them, more trouble than it's worth. So somewhere in the uk, I have quadroon and octoroon relatives, that think they are white people, with Italian heritage, when really they have black ancestry. Lol😂😂🤣
@@ebonynaomi1085 all the dishonesty makes it hard to be happy. Always having to look over your shoulder, wondering when and if the truth will come out. Very difficult life.
Thanks' Terry for this update. You always seems to capture what others' are interested to know. I've always wondered what happened to know. Interestingly enough, she looks like Allyssa Milano @ 4:18. That's amazing. Susan, if you are reading this, you still have fans. Glad you chose your life the way you wanted to. You are still beautiful!
@@blackcandyish You're welcome. Yesterday, I also watched another amazing movie regarding racial tension and deception called "The Well," which I'd never heard of. It's very timely in regards to all the racial tension, chaos, and unrest going on in our nation right now. I'm sure you'll enjoy both. Please let me know your thoughts when you get a chance. Take care and God bless!
It is actually a much more entertaining film, than Imitation of Life. Better writing, better acting, better directing. Like the latter film, "Pinky" is a very powerful film also. But I enjoyed more for lots of reasons. The acting was incredible! And the way it was filmed, so many extremely tight close ups.
Ain't that the truth 🤣🤣 she didn't mind nobody knowing she was her moma when it was too late should of respected her and give her flowers while she was still here omgoodness yes that move was brilliant very sad but good 🙏🎬📺
I first saw imitation of life as a very young girl, probably age 10. I was captivated by the story and the acting even at that age. The end brought me to tears even then. One of my favorites of all time! I didnt know that there was an original version in the 30's thanks for bringing that to light.
