12. A novel and Hollywood film borrowed the Aunt Jemima backstory in the 1930s
In 1933, a novel entitled Imitation of Life appeared, written by feminist and civil rights advocate Fannie Hurst. The novel generated both controversy for its depiction of Black stereotypes by some, and critical acclaim from others. The following year a Hollywood film with the same title was released, starring Claudette Colbert and featuring Louise Beavers. Beavers’ role as a housekeeper who provides domestic services in exchange for room and board is borrowed liberally from the backstory for Aunt Jemima. Her character, named Delilah, developed her own mix for a pancake batter, based on a “secret family recipe”. Delilah also portrays the characteristics of the stereotypical Mammy then prevalent in films. Together they set up a pancake house on the New Jersey shore.
The pancake house makes Delilah and her employer, Bea, played by Claudette Colbert, well-to-do, though several issues regarding Delilah’s mixed-race daughter are central to the film. Eventually, Delilah’s pancake mix is marketed as “Delilah’s Pancake Flour” and Bea and Delilah become rich. The pancake mix angle is but a small part of the film, which like the novel focused on race relations and freedom of opportunity in the United States. A 1959 remake under the same name (and starring Lana Turner), ignores the entire story of the pancake batter and its contribution to the wealth of the two characters. By the time the 1959 film appeared, most of the Aunt Jemima backstory was not as well known as it had been in 1934.
