Magnificent Imitations: The Melodramas of Douglas Sirk at Russell Library

This film discussion series will conclude with Imitation of Life on Tuesday, December 10,

12 noon in the
Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Acclaimed Hollywood director Douglas Sirk
defined the movie melodrama in four gorgeous films of the 1950s. Sirk, who
began his career directing the work of Berthold Brecht in Germany, immigrated
to America during the rise of fascism. His lush popular melodramas, starring
the likes of Jane Wyman, Lana Turner, and Rock Hudson, were dismissed by
critics of the time. Since then, they have been hailed as masterpieces of
visual elegance and ironic critique.                   

In Imitation of Life, Lana
Turner and daughter Sandra Dee lead a glamorous life of romantic intrigue,
while her African-American maid, Juanita Moore, and daughter Susan Kohner face
the hard realities of 1950s racism. 
Hailed as Sirk’s most complex and cutting portrait of American culture, Imitation of Life was his final
Hollywood film.  It also features John
Gavin and a special appearance by Mahalia Jackson.  Is she willing to face the scorn of her peers
for the love of a younger man?          

Scott Higgins, a film historian and
an Associate Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan University, will lead a
discussion following each movie.  Viewers are invited to bring a sandwich and
the library will serve dessert and beverages. 
This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Russell Library.