Imitation of Life is a drama film which tells the story of two mothers, who are facing problems in dealing with the rebellious nature of their young daughters.
Sandra Dee was an American actress who rose to fame with her third film, ‘Imitation of Life,’ in 1959. She started as a child actor, and made her film debut in 1957 with ‘Until They Sail,’ a film that earned Dee her first ‘Golden Globe Award.’ Following her massive success, Dee played lead roles in films, such as ‘The Reluctant Debutante’ (1958), ‘The Restless Years’ (1958), ‘Gidget’(1959) and ‘A Summer Place’ (1959).
Her popular films from the 60s are ‘Romanoff and Juliet’ (1961), ‘Come September’ (1961), and ‘I'd Rather Be Rich’ (1964), ‘A Man Could Get Killed’ (1966).
Her career had declined by late 60s. She appeared in a few TV shows such as ‘Night Gallery’ and ‘Fantasy Island,’ and some films too, but none were a success. Her appearance in ‘Lost’ in 1983 was her last performance ever. She died in 2005 due to kidney failure.
Imitation of Life is a drama film which tells the story of two mothers, who are facing problems in dealing with the rebellious nature of their young daughters.
Wealthy socialite Chantal marries photographer Eugene, but becomes concerned about their marriage when her friend Tina begins to flirt with him. Following her mother's advice, Chantal learns how to 'train' her husband, and eventually concocts a secret lover to make Eugene jealous. However, complications arise when Eugene tracks down his rival and invites him for dinner.
I’d Rather Be Rich is a romantic comedy film, which tells the story of a heiress whose grandfather is on his deathbed. His last wish is to meet her fiancé, but as he is unable to arrive, she asks another man to pose as him.
When widowed millionaire Rosie, a generous giver, decides to buy a closed theater where her late husband had proposed her, Rosie’s mercenary daughters, Mildred and Edith, worried about their inheritance, plan to institutionalize her and declare her insane. As Rosie’s loving granddaughter, Daphne, learns about the wicked plan, she, along with Rosie’s lawyer friend Oliver Stevenson, helps Rosie win in the court.
When a young and ambitious maid-for-hire is asked by a successful publishing executive for a date, she is in a dilemma. Feeling embarrassed about her modest dwelling, she invites him to a lavish apartment that she cleans on daily basis, pretending it to be hers. Because she has never met the owner she does not know that it actually belongs to her date.
Glamorous socialite Sheila Cabot devises a plan to be free of her ailing tyrannical husband while retaining his fortune by convincing her lover, Dr. David Rivera, to poison him during his treatment. One death leads to another after they are blackmailed for the crime, and the plot is further complicated when the doctor threatens to confess.
Set during the WWII in New Zealand, the movie is inspired by a story authored by James A. Michener for Return to Paradise. The movie follows four sisters – Anne, Barbara, Delia and Evelyn – and their romance with US soldiers. Meanwhile Jack Harding, a marine, is assigned to find out the genuineness of the potential matrimonial alliances between the American soldiers and New Zealand women.
Over-protective father, Frank Michaelson, reluctantly sends his young daughter Mollie to Paris, to study arts. Unfortunately, when Mollie informs him of her new lover artist Henri Bonnet and all her cultural experiences, Frank rushes to Paris which leads to humorous outcomes.
Melinda is a sixteen year old girl who wishes to leave her hometown and explore the world some day. Although Melinda was born out of wedlock, her single mother Elizabeth insists that her father passed away when she was still an infant. However, when Melinda starts getting involved with a guy named Will, her mother thinks that she may have to reveal the truth after all.
An Air Force Major Pike Yarnell survives a jet crash in the Pacific Ocean, along with his navigator Donald Beasley, although Beasley dies after some days on a raft. Christina, the dead officer’s widow waits for a full explanation of the circumstances about her husband’s death. Pike begins to develop feelings for Christina, and cannot bring himself to tell her that Donald was a poor and cowardly officer, and it was his mistake that caused the crash.
This is the third of four films made on Tammy, a kind, sweet country girl from Mississippi. When Mrs. Call needs to undergo an operation at Los Angeles, she accompanies her for support and starts working as nurse’s assistant because the hospital does not have any guest quarter. Before long, she falls for handsome Dr. Mark Cheswic.
A Man Could Get Killed is a comedy thriller film, which tells the story of an American businessman who is mistaken for a British agent in Lisbon. This eventually leads to hilarious consequences.
Although she is content with being an office secretary, Heather’s ambitious mother Louise, tries to push her daughter into a stage career. She eventually pursues a singing career and starts gaining popularity, but her boss and lover Harlan, who is quite self-centered, resents this. Things turn even more complicated when Heather gets pregnant.
Sandra Dee Awards
Until They Sail | Most Promising Newcomer - Female | 1958 |