Imitation Of Life 1934 - Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Warren William, Ned Sparks

I prefer this version overall to the remake, because Claudette Colbert is a better actress than Lana Turner. But Louise Beavers is not portrayed with as much dignity as Juanita Moore is in the remake. Also Fredi Washington is excellent as Peola, as is Warren William as Stephen. Rochelle Hudson is very cute and sweet. Ned Sparks is an unfairly largely forgotten character actor! His wisecracking cynical characters always lighten the mood

I have parts of each version that I like better than the other. I agree completely with your comment about Juanita Moore - she was incredible and Susan Kohner was really amazing at conveying her conflict about her race. Claudette is Claudette and can do no wrong. I could do with a little less soap opera glam in the 59 version. Overall, I like them both!