The 50th anniversary screening of Douglas Sirk's classic weepie Imitation of Life, starring Lana Turner, Sandra Dee, John Gavin, and Oscar nominees Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner (above), was presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, August 21, at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The event was hosted by film critic Stephen Faber.
In Imitation of Life, white Susan Kohner plays black Juanita Moore's daughter (hey, it's Hollywood). In real life, however, Kohner doesn't have a black mom. Her mother is Lupita Tovar, 98, known as "Mexico's Sweetheart" back in the early 1930s and the star of the Spanish-language version of Dracula. Her father was producer Paul Kohner, among whose credits is the Margaret Sullavan vehicle Next Time We Love and German actor-director Luis Trenker's Depression Era drama The Prodigal Son.
Susan Kohner, who retired from films after marrying fashion designer John Weitz in 1964, also happens to be the mother of screenwriter-directors Chris and Paul Weitz, among whose credits are American Pie, About a Boy, and In Good Company (Paul only).
Photos: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S.
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Juanita Moore, Stephen Faber
Paul Weitz, Susan Kohner
Paul Weitz, Susan Kohner
Paul Weitz, Susan Kohner, Stephen Faber
Imitation of Life is my favorite movie of all times. I always cry when I watch the movie. One day it came on and I said I wasn't going to cry and I didn't, but later it came on and "guess what" I cried. The movie has a good story-line. Lana Turner is breath taking, very beautiful. Her blonde hair, blue eyes and she is wearing that long white gown with that blue scarf drape around her chest, just beautiful. John Cavin is tall dark and handsome.
I'am glad to that both Ms.Moore and Ms.Kohner are still around and you both look great! I just saw the movie last night and I was telling my granddaughter about it. And that everytime I saw it I cried. I told her I'am older now and wouldn't cry. But of course I cried a little. The part when Sarah Jean came to the funeral and cried on the coffin. This movie was so emotional at the end you couldn't just stay dried eyed. You both were excellent actors. I was only 5 when the movie was made. Thank You so much Channel One for choosing Imitation Of Life. God Bless You All,G.Peters,Las Vegas,Nv.
One of my favorite movies. I watch it everytime it's on!
Both ladies look wonderful!
one of the best films ever made
Good to see Juanita Moore who was so great in "Imitation of Life."
It's really sad that Lana and Sandra couldn't be there as well.
Great photos!
Imitation of Life is one my favorite movies.
Susan Kohner and Ms. Juanita Moore were simply marvelous in it.
Lana Turner was the most glamorous movie star EVER!!!!
Wow, I had no idea that Kohner and Moore – let alone Lupita Tovar! – were still around. Good stuff.