Rebel Without A Cause (DVD)

Reviews

Reviewed by Micky B - 13 June 2007

Starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus, Ann Doran, Corey Allen, William Hopper and Dennis Hopper. Directed by Nicholas Ray. There must be very few of us who were teenagers back in the 1950s who cannot in some way identify with this James Dean classic. But has it dated in any way since then? Sure, cars, fashions, and the way kids talk have all moved on. But as for the problems…? Well, let’s start by looking at the parents of the main characters: JIM (James Dean): His father (Jim Backus, the original “Mr Magoo”) is weak, totally wife-dominated, and thinks that “being a pal” and buying affection will meet all of Jim’s needs. His Mother (Ann Doran) on the other hand, is neurotic, bitter and selfish; and his grandmother is even worse! They’re all trying to score points by playing off one another and denying that Jim’s situation could possibly be “their” fault in any way! JUDY (Natalie Wood): Her mother is mouse-like and completely spineless. Her father is an arrogant, macho SOB who denies Judy any display of affection whatsoever – while at the same time showering favours on her bratty younger brother. And what about poor lonely little PLATO (Sal Mineo)? We never ever get to see his parents. But then, come to think of it, neither does he! Story: Jim’s parents continually move from town to town to try to keep him out of trouble. In a police station, when picked up for being drunk and disorderly: Jim meets his new next-door neighbour, Judy, whose boyfriend Buzz (Corey Allen) first engages Jim in a knife-fight, and then challenges him to a “chicken run” in stolen cars – in which he (Buzz) is killed. Fleeing from their respective homes: Jim, Judy and Plato hide out in an old disused house where Plato idolises the older teenage couple; seeing them as surrogate parents! Unfortunately he has a gun with him, and shoots an intruder. Then the police arrive… I developed very set opinions on this movie when I first saw it on the big screen in 1956. The adults of the time told me that my views would change as I grew older. Well, I’m now a grandfather – several times over, in fact. And I’m STILL on the teenagers’ side!