Imitation of Life and Showboat

POST WWII

Showboat

SHOWBOAT
This version of Showboat was based on Oscar Hammerstein's 1936 version of the film. Following are clips from the film:

Julie being attacked by a white man who was attracted to her. Her husband rescues her but the man retaliates later by revealing her identity.

The rejected admirer returns with the Sheriff to reveal that Julie is a "Negress" who has comitted miscegenation (she is married to a white man).

African Americans in their new roles as the voice of moral consciousness (singing "Old Man River" as Julie leaves the boat after being threatened by the sheriff).

Drunk and ashamed of the way that her life has turned out, Julie begs Magnolia's husband their conversation a secret.

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IMITATION OF LIFE

This is the cover of the VHS box for the film

This is also an updated version of an old film. However the storyline was changed significantly. The passing story was placed in the center of the film and the rags-to-riches story revolves around an aspiring actress (played by Lana Turner) rather than a businesswoman. Like other passing films from the 40s and 50s, the lead passing character is played by a white woman.

Looking at the VHS box cover, it is clear that despite the time given the the passing story, the experiences of the white characters in the film are most important. In fact, is there to comfort them and stand as a shadow behind the white women.

Following are clips from the film:

The ending of this film is the same as the 1934 version. Sara Jane (Peola in the 1934 version) is humilated in front the her white family and the black community because she blames herself for her mother's death.

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