Imitation of Life is a 1959 American drama film directed by Douglas Sirk, produced by Ross Hunter and released by Universal International. It was Sirk's final Hollywood film and dealt with issues of race, class and gender. Imitation of Life is the second film adaptation of Fannie Hurst's novel of the same name; the first, directed by John M. Stahl, was released in 1934. The film's top-billed stars are Lana Turner and John Gavin, and the cast also features Sandra Dee, Dan O'Herlihy, Susan Kohner,

Tonight, host Jacqueline Stewart shares one of her favorite films, IMITATION OF LIFE ('34). It was a significant film that addressed colorism, passing, and white privilege — themes that were rarely acknowledged on screen. See it at 8pm ET as part of Fireside Favorites with the Hosts. | Turner Classic Movies: TCM