Imitation of Life
Written by William Hurlbut
Directed by John M. Stahl
USA, 1934
Written by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott
Directed by Douglas Sirk
USA, 1959
The debate about the necessity and worth of continual remakes rages on every year. Will the new version be as good as the original? Or even better? Should it have even been made to begin with? While we do seem to hear more about this recently, the concept of a remark is, of course, nothing new. Examples go back to the very dawn of cinema. What makes a remake particularly worthwhile, however, is when the films involved are dissimilar in certain aspects yet notably congruent in other areas: just enough to keep the basic premise or theme consistent, but varied enough to keep it up to date and original in one way or another. If both versions have their merits, a considerate comparison and contrast...
Written by William Hurlbut
Directed by John M. Stahl
USA, 1934
Written by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott
Directed by Douglas Sirk
USA, 1959
The debate about the necessity and worth of continual remakes rages on every year. Will the new version be as good as the original? Or even better? Should it have even been made to begin with? While we do seem to hear more about this recently, the concept of a remark is, of course, nothing new. Examples go back to the very dawn of cinema. What makes a remake particularly worthwhile, however, is when the films involved are dissimilar in certain aspects yet notably congruent in other areas: just enough to keep the basic premise or theme consistent, but varied enough to keep it up to date and original in one way or another. If both versions have their merits, a considerate comparison and contrast...
- 4/15/2015
- by Jeremy Carr
- SoundOnSight
The Oscar-winning success of last year's "The Help" was a throwback in many ways, principally to the socially-conscious melodramas of Stanley Kramer, like "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner." Another comparison point that came up frequently in reviews of Tate Taylor's film was "Imitation Of Life," the 1959 film by director Douglas Sirk, but it's scarcely fair: over fifty years on, Sirk's picture stands head and shoulders above virtually every other melodrama.
The story follows widow and aspiring actress Lora (Lana Turner), whose daughter Susie goes missing at the beach, and is found by an African-American divorcee, Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore), there with her own light-skinned daughter, Sarah Jane. The two become friends, Lora taking Annie in as a housekeeper, and Annie's care helping Lora achieve her dream of becoming a Broadway star. Eleven years later, however, their children have grown up, and Susie (Sandra Dee) develops a crush on her mother's boyfriend Steve,...
The story follows widow and aspiring actress Lora (Lana Turner), whose daughter Susie goes missing at the beach, and is found by an African-American divorcee, Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore), there with her own light-skinned daughter, Sarah Jane. The two become friends, Lora taking Annie in as a housekeeper, and Annie's care helping Lora achieve her dream of becoming a Broadway star. Eleven years later, however, their children have grown up, and Susie (Sandra Dee) develops a crush on her mother's boyfriend Steve,...
- 4/17/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
When I was a kid, I used to love a scary movie. I remember catching the original The Haunting (1963) one night on Channel 9’s Million Dollar Movie when I was home alone. Before it was over, I had every light in the house on. When my mother got home she was screaming she’d been able to see the house glowing from two blocks away. The only thing screaming louder than her was the electricity meter.
That was something of an accomplishment, scaring me like that. Oh, it’s not that I was hard to scare (I still don’t like going down into a dark cellar). But, in those days, the movies didn’t have much to scare you with. Back as far as the 50s, you might find your odd dismemberment and impaling, even an occasional decapitation, but, generally, the rule of the day was restraint. Even those rare dismemberments,...
That was something of an accomplishment, scaring me like that. Oh, it’s not that I was hard to scare (I still don’t like going down into a dark cellar). But, in those days, the movies didn’t have much to scare you with. Back as far as the 50s, you might find your odd dismemberment and impaling, even an occasional decapitation, but, generally, the rule of the day was restraint. Even those rare dismemberments,...
- 3/31/2012
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
Today in 2011, Priscilla Queen of the Desert opened at the Palace Theatre, wehre it is still running currently 415 performances. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a musical with a book by Australian film director-writer Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott, using well-known pop songs as its score. Adapted from Elliott's 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the musical tells the story of two drag queens and a transsexual, who contract to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs, a resort town in the remote Australian desert. The original Broadway cast includes Will Swenson as Tick Mitzi, Tony Sheldon, again, reprising his role of Bernadette, and Nick Adams as Adam Felicia.
- 3/20/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
A lot has been written since the sad passing of Ralph McQuarrie on the 3rd of March this year. He’s the artist who is credited with coming up with the designs for Darth Vader, Chewbacca, C3PO & R2D2 to name a few. It has been said that without him, there would have been no Star Wars at all as it was his illustrations that convinced 20th Century Fox to give Star Wars the green light.
His designs for Star Wars are immediately recognizable if you are a fan of science fiction or not, and are now part of our societies pop culture. His images from Star Wars represent science fiction to the general masses and because of this, they are exploited to sell everything from cars to mobile phones. Rest assured that if the images of Vader or C3PO weren’t burnt into your conscience, no advertising company would consider using them.
His designs for Star Wars are immediately recognizable if you are a fan of science fiction or not, and are now part of our societies pop culture. His images from Star Wars represent science fiction to the general masses and because of this, they are exploited to sell everything from cars to mobile phones. Rest assured that if the images of Vader or C3PO weren’t burnt into your conscience, no advertising company would consider using them.
- 3/8/2012
- by Amarpal Biring
- Obsessed with Film
Every year GLAAD gives out awards for outstanding Glbt media representation. This year there are 116 nominees competing in 25 media categories - everything from Outstanding Drama Series to Outstanding Comic Book.
"As media continue to tell new stories about Lgbt people and families, a majority of Americans now support full equality of Lgbt Americans," said Mike Thompson, GLAAD’s Acting President. "This year’s nominees enlighten and entertain, while spotlighting the diversity of our community. Audiences expect to see their own worlds reflected in media, and today more than ever, those include the lives of Lgbt people. Viewers know that Lgbt characters and stories are simply natural extensions of, and glimpses into, their own experiences from across America."
Winners will be announced at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 24, 2012 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square; in Los Angeles on April 21 at the Westin Bonaventure; and in San...
"As media continue to tell new stories about Lgbt people and families, a majority of Americans now support full equality of Lgbt Americans," said Mike Thompson, GLAAD’s Acting President. "This year’s nominees enlighten and entertain, while spotlighting the diversity of our community. Audiences expect to see their own worlds reflected in media, and today more than ever, those include the lives of Lgbt people. Viewers know that Lgbt characters and stories are simply natural extensions of, and glimpses into, their own experiences from across America."
Winners will be announced at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York on March 24, 2012 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square; in Los Angeles on April 21 at the Westin Bonaventure; and in San...
- 1/19/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Originally released in 1973 as part of a double feature with The Wicker Man (now how amazing would that have been!?), Don’t Look Now has gone on to be considered one of the greatest British horror films ever released. Resplendent with an unnerving atmosphere from start to finish, coupled with an extremely symbolic style, artistic director Nicolas Roeg has created a film that remains unsettling to this very day. The team at Optimum Releasing have painstakingly upgraded the film to a full high definition experience, that whilst not free from imperfection is proficient enough to add a new element to the classic tale.
Released on Blu-ray from July 4th, follow the jump for our full review.
Based on a novel by classic suspense writer Daphne du Maurier (who is also responsible for the source material behind three of Hitchcock’s finest works: Jamaica Inn [1939], Rebecca [1940] and The Birds [1963]), Don’t...
Released on Blu-ray from July 4th, follow the jump for our full review.
Based on a novel by classic suspense writer Daphne du Maurier (who is also responsible for the source material behind three of Hitchcock’s finest works: Jamaica Inn [1939], Rebecca [1940] and The Birds [1963]), Don’t...
- 7/6/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Originally released in 1973 as part of a double feature with The Wicker Man (now how amazing would that have been!?), Don’t Look Now has gone on to be considered one of the greatest British horror films ever released. Resplendent with an unnerving atmosphere from start to finish, coupled with an extremely symbolic style, artistic director Nicolas Roeg has created a film that remains unsettling to this very day. The team at Optimum Releasing have painstakingly upgraded the film to a full high definition experience, that whilst not free from imperfection is proficient enough to add a new element to the classic tale.
To celebrate the Blu-ray release this past week, we have teamed up with Optimum Releasing to give away three copies of the blu-ray.
Don’T Look Now stars Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie in Nic Roeg’s brilliantly atmospheric adaptation of the novel by Daphne du Maurier.
To celebrate the Blu-ray release this past week, we have teamed up with Optimum Releasing to give away three copies of the blu-ray.
Don’T Look Now stars Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie in Nic Roeg’s brilliantly atmospheric adaptation of the novel by Daphne du Maurier.
- 7/6/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Originally released in 1973 as part of a double feature with The Wicker Man (now how amazing would that have been!?), Don’t Look Now has gone on to be considered one of the greatest British horror films ever released. Resplendent with an unnerving atmosphere from start to finish, coupled with an extremely symbolic style, artistic director Nicolas Roeg has created a film that remains unsettling to this very day. The team at Optimum Releasing have painstakingly upgraded the film to a full high definition experience, that whilst not free from imperfection is proficient enough to add a new element to the classic tale.
Released on Blu-ray from July 4th, follow the jump for our full review.
Based on a novel by classic suspense writer Daphne du Maurier (who is also responsible for the source material behind three of Hitchcock’s finest works: Jamaica Inn [1939], Rebecca [1940] and The Birds [1963]), Don’t...
Released on Blu-ray from July 4th, follow the jump for our full review.
Based on a novel by classic suspense writer Daphne du Maurier (who is also responsible for the source material behind three of Hitchcock’s finest works: Jamaica Inn [1939], Rebecca [1940] and The Birds [1963]), Don’t...
- 6/27/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
‘Nothing is what it seems’ is the main theme and much quoted line from this 1973 classic horror. In fact is it even a horror? It could easily be a psychological thriller or a drama dealing with grief and love. Though released in the same year as The Exorcist, it is Nic Roeg’s adaptation of a Daphne du Maurier short story that is often cited as the film that revolutionised the genre into an intelligent form.
Roeg stepped into this film barefooted, after slipping off a pair of other great reinventions in Performance and Walkabout; yet many critics say these earlier films were his better work and the type he should have continued to produce. I disagree. It was the enigma and the sense of nothing truly being what you experienced in Don’t Look Now that makes it Roeg’s finest venture into the cinematic arts. Furthermore, because this...
Roeg stepped into this film barefooted, after slipping off a pair of other great reinventions in Performance and Walkabout; yet many critics say these earlier films were his better work and the type he should have continued to produce. I disagree. It was the enigma and the sense of nothing truly being what you experienced in Don’t Look Now that makes it Roeg’s finest venture into the cinematic arts. Furthermore, because this...
- 6/24/2011
- Shadowlocked
To mark the release of digitally restored Don’t Look now on Blu-ray 27th June, Optimum Releasing have given us three copies of the movie to give away.
Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie star in Don’T Look Now, Nic Roeg’s brilliantly atmospheric adaptation of the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Following the death of their daughter, John and Laura Baxter travel to Venice where he is to oversee the restoration of an old church. Here they encounter a pair of elderly sisters: one of them a blind psychic who claims to have been in communication with the couple’s dead child. Whilst Laura is intrigued John resists the idea, despite the possibility that he is having his own visions that threaten to put his life in danger…. Genuinely unsettling, Don’T Look Now is widely acknowledged as perhaps Roeg’s finest film and one of the best British films ever made.
Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie star in Don’T Look Now, Nic Roeg’s brilliantly atmospheric adaptation of the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Following the death of their daughter, John and Laura Baxter travel to Venice where he is to oversee the restoration of an old church. Here they encounter a pair of elderly sisters: one of them a blind psychic who claims to have been in communication with the couple’s dead child. Whilst Laura is intrigued John resists the idea, despite the possibility that he is having his own visions that threaten to put his life in danger…. Genuinely unsettling, Don’T Look Now is widely acknowledged as perhaps Roeg’s finest film and one of the best British films ever made.
- 6/17/2011
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Nicolas Roeg’s 1974 chiller, Don’t Look Now, has finally had its release date announced – so pencil it in your diaries right now. Starring Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie and a murderous dwarf in a red raincoat, the film was recently voted Time Out London as the best British flick ever.
The digitally restored film comes with a set of new extra features along with what will be a beautiful-looking transfer on what is often touted as the very last physical home entertainment device. We’re at the final frontier. Next we’ll have films downloaded into our brains! It’s the way of the future.
If you love Nic Roeg’s films then The Man Who Fell To Earth is being released on Blu-ray from 4th April. Both films belong in any discerning film lover’s collection. Fact. Optimum Releasing continue in their fine quest to release awesome cinema. That’s another fact!
The digitally restored film comes with a set of new extra features along with what will be a beautiful-looking transfer on what is often touted as the very last physical home entertainment device. We’re at the final frontier. Next we’ll have films downloaded into our brains! It’s the way of the future.
If you love Nic Roeg’s films then The Man Who Fell To Earth is being released on Blu-ray from 4th April. Both films belong in any discerning film lover’s collection. Fact. Optimum Releasing continue in their fine quest to release awesome cinema. That’s another fact!
- 3/16/2011
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
The latest movie to get the tuner treatment is "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." The new musical just wrapped a well-received run in Toronto and began previews Feb. 28 with opening night set for March 30 at the Palace Theater. The 1994 film version won an Oscar for its elaborate costumes designed on a shoe-string budget by Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel. The pair, who had a bigger budget this time round, took home the Olivier Award for last year's London production. Olivier Award nominee Tony Sheldon reprises the Terence Stamp role of the aging drag queen while Tony Award nominee Will Swenson ("Hair") has the Hugh Weaving part and Nick Adams steps into Guy Pearce's pumps. The musical is written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott with Simon Phillips directing and Ross Coleman doing the dances Among the producers of the new musical is Bette Midler. Were it to win the...
- 3/1/2011
- Gold Derby
The latest movie to get the tuner treatment is "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." The new musical just wrapped a well-recieved run in Toronto and is set to begin previews Feb. 28 with opening night set for March 30 at the Palace Theater. The 19994 film version won an Oscar for its elaborate costumes designed on a shoe-string budget by Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel. The musical is written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott with Simon Phillips directing and Ross Coleman doing the dances. Olivier Award nominee Tony Sheldon takes on the Terence Stamp role of the aging drag queen while Tony Award nominee Will Swenson ("Hair") has the Hugh Weaving role and Nick Adams steps into Guy Pearce's pumps. ...
- 1/28/2011
- Gold Derby
Veteran entertainer Bette Midler has signed on to co-produce quirky Broadway-bound stage musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert". The zany stage show, adapted from 1994 comedy "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" - about a trio of drag queens traveling across the Australian outback, began a pre-Broadway engagement in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday, October 12.
And producers have brought Midler on board as they perfect the show for previews in the Big Apple next spring. Producer James L. Nederlander confirms, "We are thrilled that she wants to join us on the bus for this magnificent adventure."
The production, written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott - and directed by Simon Phillips, is scheduled to make its official Broadway debut on March 20, 2011. Midler made her Broadway debut in "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1966, and has since returned for several productions, most recently 2002's "Short Talks on the Universe".
And producers have brought Midler on board as they perfect the show for previews in the Big Apple next spring. Producer James L. Nederlander confirms, "We are thrilled that she wants to join us on the bus for this magnificent adventure."
The production, written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott - and directed by Simon Phillips, is scheduled to make its official Broadway debut on March 20, 2011. Midler made her Broadway debut in "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1966, and has since returned for several productions, most recently 2002's "Short Talks on the Universe".
- 10/14/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Steel Burkhardt, original cast member of the current Broadway and London revival of Hair, will succeed Will Swenson as Berger on May 31 at London's Gielgud Theatre. As previously announced, Tony Award-nominee Will Swenson is departing to lead the cast of the pre-Broadway North American company of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical, written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and directed by Simon Phillips. Priscilla Queen Of The Desert: The Musical will open on Broadway in Spring 2011 at a theater to be announced.
- 5/21/2010
- BroadwayWorld.com
Congratulations to Jamie Ellis, Christine Russell and Tim Newsome - a set is on its way to each you!
As the hi-def assault gathers momentum, Optimum Home Entertainment are releasing some bona fide classics on Blu-ray via The Studio Canal Collection. Revisiting Studio Canal's back catalogue, the 15th Feb sees a wonderfully eclectic trio released exclusively on Blu-ray for the first time. What's more, Optimum have 3 sets to give away for lucky Twitch readers in the UK.
First up is The Go-Between, based on LP Hartley's novel of the same name, starring Julie Christie, Edward Fox and Alan Bates in a magnificently English period drama, of lusty Victorians and adolescent confusion. This was probably the first film that gave me faith in movies being able to interpret novels successfully, having read the book at school and subsequently dug out the film. An in-her-prime Christie probably helped too...
Next is...
As the hi-def assault gathers momentum, Optimum Home Entertainment are releasing some bona fide classics on Blu-ray via The Studio Canal Collection. Revisiting Studio Canal's back catalogue, the 15th Feb sees a wonderfully eclectic trio released exclusively on Blu-ray for the first time. What's more, Optimum have 3 sets to give away for lucky Twitch readers in the UK.
First up is The Go-Between, based on LP Hartley's novel of the same name, starring Julie Christie, Edward Fox and Alan Bates in a magnificently English period drama, of lusty Victorians and adolescent confusion. This was probably the first film that gave me faith in movies being able to interpret novels successfully, having read the book at school and subsequently dug out the film. An in-her-prime Christie probably helped too...
Next is...
- 2/21/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Chicago – I have to admit to a bit of trepidation every time a studio outside of the widely acknowledged masters tries their hand at catalog releases but the Lionsgate/StudioCanal Blu-ray releases of “Contempt,” “The Ladykillers,” and “Ran” are spectacular. Not only do the films look amazing in HD but they’ve been given copious special features. Don’t miss them.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
What do Jean-Luc Godard’s “Contempt,” Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran,” and Alexander Mackendrick’s “The Ladykillers” have in common? Basically nothing other than loyal followings and, apparently, the same production company that allows them to be released on Blu-ray on the same day. They’re all films well worth adding to any collection of classic titles, especially in packages this lavish and lovingly produced.
Contempt was released on Blu-ray on February 16th, 2010.
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video
Four words - “Brigitte Bardot in HD”. For movie lovers who know their classics,...
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
What do Jean-Luc Godard’s “Contempt,” Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran,” and Alexander Mackendrick’s “The Ladykillers” have in common? Basically nothing other than loyal followings and, apparently, the same production company that allows them to be released on Blu-ray on the same day. They’re all films well worth adding to any collection of classic titles, especially in packages this lavish and lovingly produced.
Contempt was released on Blu-ray on February 16th, 2010.
Photo credit: Lionsgate Home Video
Four words - “Brigitte Bardot in HD”. For movie lovers who know their classics,...
- 2/19/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Those upset (myself included) that Criterion had to withdraw their planned Blu-ray edition of Ran due to a rights issue can cheer up as the holder of those rights was making the same plans. Lionsgate Home Entertainment in cooperation with StudioCanal are set to release Ran as well as 1955's The Ladykillers starring Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers and Jean-Luc Godard's Contempt (Le Mepris) on Blu-ray on February 16, 2010.
Unfortunately there isn't any box art available yet, but below are the list of features for each:
Ran 1080P High Definition Widescreen format with Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German and Italian DTS Master Audio "A.K." - the acclaimed feature-length documentary on the making of the film "Akira Kurosawa: The Epic and the Intimate" - documentary on the director Portrait of Akira Kurosawa by Japanese cinema expert and interpreter Catherine Cado "The Samurai" - documentary on Samurai art "Art of the Samurai...
Unfortunately there isn't any box art available yet, but below are the list of features for each:
Ran 1080P High Definition Widescreen format with Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German and Italian DTS Master Audio "A.K." - the acclaimed feature-length documentary on the making of the film "Akira Kurosawa: The Epic and the Intimate" - documentary on the director Portrait of Akira Kurosawa by Japanese cinema expert and interpreter Catherine Cado "The Samurai" - documentary on Samurai art "Art of the Samurai...
- 11/24/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Jason Donovan, Tony Sheldon, Oliver Thornton and Clive Carter lead the cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical, written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and directed by Simon Phillips, which had its first preview on 10 March 2009, Officially opens with a Press Night on 23 March and Gala Night on 24 March 2009. Bookings are currently open for performances until 26 September 2009.
- 3/23/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Both IESB and Latino Film Review are reporting rumors that point heavily towards Chris Pine, who will be starring as the young James Tiberious Kirk in the upcoming Abrams “Stark Trek” movie May 8th, 2009, is in the top running, if not already tapped, to star as Hal Jordan in Warner’s “Green Lantern” movie. The Green Lantern film, which was long-rumored and greenlight after the wild success of Warner’s “The Dark Knight”, is an adaptation of DC’s Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and is going to be directed by Martin Campbell. The first Green Lantern, Alan Scott, was created by Bill Finger and Martin Nodell and debuted in DC Comics’ “All-American Comics” #16 [...]...
- 3/21/2009
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Jason Donovan, Tony Sheldon, Oliver Thornton and Clive Carter lead the cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical, written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and directed by Simon Phillips,the principal cast are joined by Zoe Birkett, Kate Gillespie and Emma Lindars as the three Divas, Wezley Sebastian as Miss Understanding, Amy Field as Marion, Danielle Coombe as Shirley, Tristan Temple as Jimmy, Kanako Nakano as Cynthia, Steven Cleverley as Young Bernadette and John Brannoch as Frank.
- 3/10/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Jason Donovan is to star in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - The Musical in the West End. The production, which also features Tony Sheldon and Oliver Thornton, will open at the Palace Theatre next March. Written by Stephen Elliott and Allan Scott, the show is based on the award-winning film set in the Australian outback. The musical had its world premiere in Sydney in October 2006 and has since played (more)...
- 9/16/2008
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
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