Drama
1955

Director: Elia Kazan Cast: James Dean, Raymond Massey, Richard Davalos, Julie Harris, Burl Ives, Jo Van Fleet, Albert Dekker, Lois Smith, Harold Gordon, Nick Dennis

Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Jo Van Fleet)

Also Nominated For: Best Actor in a Leading Role (James Dean); Best Director (Elia Kazan); Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Osborn)

I First Saw In: 2015

Synopsis: Cal, a wayward Salinas Valley youth, vies for the affection of his hardened father with his favoured brother, Aron.

Did You Know? James Dean’s nomination marked the first official posthumous nomination for acting in Academy history. Jeanne Eagels was posthumously nominated for Best Actress in 1929 for her role in The Letter, but no official nominees had been announced that year.

And now a Word from the Guise:
A remake starring Jennifer Lawrence is in the works; production is on hold, however, until the studio can find a male lead suitable enough for the role of Cal Trask. Man, have they go their work cut out for them! I don’t think any actor today can hold a candle to James Dean’s brooding smoulder. His performance appears smooth and effortless. He certainly had a brilliant aptitude for the craft that so few his age (at the time) have since possessed. Never mind how stunningly attractive he was; I think Anna Hill Johnstone should have gotten a nomination for designing such perfect pants for him to wear…

Oscar Madness Ranking – ??? out of 233