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The basic story involves a troubled teenager,
Jim (James Dean) and his attempt to fit into his society. Eventually,
when the bad boys won't leave him alone, thratening his honor,
he takes part in an ill-fated car drag race, with tragic results.
A new kid, Jim Stark, moves to town with his
middle class family, who finds himself often in trouble, as
he tries to find love and acceptance that he can't find at home.
He is spinning out of control, and his parents, (Jim Bacus and
Anne Doran) are at their witts end, and don't know how to help
him. While he partially finds what he needs from an equally
troubled friend, Plato (Sal Moreno), who cares about him, and
a rebellious, wanna-be bad girlfriend, Judy (Natalie Wood),
who thinks she loves him, he still has the self-destructive
tendency to get involved in such risky behavior as switchblade
knife fights and "chickie" games, that involve car
racing toward a cliff, when challenged by the local hoods to
prove himself.
The film is a classic because of its still relevant story about
the timeless problems teenagers have with themselves, peer pressure,
bullies, parents and families, while trying to find their place
in the world. It also relates to the problems parents face in
raising teenagers, who are complicated people, striving for
emotional independence, showing what doesn't work.
Inspiring direction, by Nicholas Ray, an insightful
screenplay, by Stewart Stern, gives its talented cast plenty
of motivation and material to work with. Especially good are
James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo as the teenage threesome.
A favorite scene takes place in the Griffith
Park Observatory. As Dean and Mineo and Wood watch the planetarium
light show, their faces are illuminated by surreal lighting,
as though THEY are the aliens.
A young Dennis Hopper is convincing as a young
hood, hassling Jim Sark.
This film was really popular with teens, as
it explores problems relevant to them. While a little dated,
it still is relevant
If you enjoyed REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, you may
like WEST SIDE STORY, AMERICAN
GRAFFITI ORDINARY PEOPLE, PARENTHOOD,
UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE, The THE BREAKFAST
CLUB, and GIANT.
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