Immitation of Life (1934) - John M. Stahl

Well for the first time in Oscar history one performer would appear in three nominated films for best picture. That performer was Claudette Colbert, who took home that year's best actress Oscar in It Happened One Night. Lets make it clear that of the three films nominated, It Happened One Night was the only one that actually deserved a nomination. This melodrama was remade in an infinitely better version by Douglas Sirk in 1959. Colbert's acting here is mediocre, and Delilah's Aunt Jemima routine is embarassing to watch. The way the film is laid out is almost too concise. Like this dramatic love triangle is playing out over mother-daughter drama and a death in the family. Its laid out too thick and in one too many layers.

*Imitation of Life is available on DVD, as a double feature with Sirk's version. This was nominated for best picture, sound, and assistant director (a category that was soon removed).