Rebel
Without a Cause (1955)
Starring
James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo
Director
Nicholas Ray
Awards
Academy Award Nominations
Best Motion Picture Story
Best Supporting Actor - Sal Mineo
Best Supporting Actress - Natalie
Wood
Plot Synopsis
The classic film about alienated and rebellious youth that made
James Dean an indelible icon. Rebel without a Cause focuses on a teenage social
outcast searching for his identity. His dysfunctional parents (a milquetoast father and a
cantankerous mom) can't help him and he shuns any form of authority. The young man only
finds solace in the company of two fellow teenage misfits, but even they aren't able to
prevent tragedy from befalling this reckless and uncontrollable anti-hero.
Film Notes
The age-old theme of teenage violence and delinquency is given
distinctive insight by the well-cast Dean-Wood-Mineo trio. Perhaps the best teen-age drama
of the 1950'S. Shot in CinemaScope. Released theatrically in the USA October 1955. Rebel
Without a Cause marked Dennis Hopper's film acting debut. The film was originally to
be shot in black and white. But after Jack Warner viewed the dailies from the first three
days of shooting, he decided the film should be in color.
Rated: NR