vintage 1950s Movies

Vintage 1950s Movies

East of Eden

          East of Eden is a 1955 film, directed by Elia Kazan, and loosely based on the second half of the 1952 novel of the same name by John Steinbeck. A willful young man contends against his brother for the attention of their religious father while reconnecting with his estranged mother and falling for his brother's girlfriend, thus retelling the story of Cain and Abel.

          The film stars Julie Harris, James Dean (in his first major screen role), and Raymond Massey. It also features Burl Ives, Richard Davalos, and Jo Van Fleet.

          Set in early 20th century Monterey, California, The film was actually shot on location in Mendocino, California. Some scenes were filmed in the Salinas Valley.

          Of the three films in which James Dean played the male lead, this is the only one to have been released during his lifetime and the only one Dean personally viewed in its entirety.

          The film won the following awards: Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Jo Van Fleet, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama: Elia Kazan, Golden Globe, Special Achievement Award: Given posthumously for Best Dramatic Actor: James Dean, and Cannes Film Festival, Best Dramatic Film: Elia Kazan

Tid bit:

           Before filming began, Kazan sent Dean off to Palm Springs to gain some weight and get some sun so that he looked like a "real" farm boy. Dean hated getting a tan, having his hair cut, and drinking a pint of cream a day to put on pounds.