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James Dean was only 23 when he died. His career trajectory was entirely different from Steve McQueen's. We have no idea where he would have gone as an actor outside of being cast in "Someone Up There Likes Me." A role that went to Paul Newman. And if you believe the old lies about him being gay, just read any interview with Dennis Hopper who was his close friend for many years. Take a real look at "Giant," to see a real (if very beautiful) man. Always Free Republic disappoints me with its complete lack of culture and knowledge of the arts...grr...

That is a pretty strong response to the simple post 5.

I never said anything about homosexuality, I just think that he was a drama queen and over acted, it is why so many people find themselves groaning or laughing at his acting.

“”Take a real look at “Giant,” to see a real (if very beautiful) man. Always Free Republic disappoints me with its complete lack of culture and knowledge of the arts...grr...””

Not liking the short lived, 23 year old movie actor James Dean should not call for that condemnation.

“”We have no idea where he would have gone as an actor”” Yeah, and I’m not losing sleep over it.

I note your remarks on the film. I saw it the year it was released and I was born the same year as Dean (1931). I cannot seem to remember what the average Joe thought of it then, but I realise it may be as to who one was at the time.

Toronto, Canada was then hard scrabble for new immigrants as myself. Hardly anyone seemed to own a car, but all talked about getting one. A Hungarian refugee had remarked to me, after discussing Canada and the weather this:

California! That is our dream.

There was this youth with a huge boat of an automobile (his Dads). He had doting parents. In the wonderful climate of California he basked. He had a smashing girl friend to boot (portrayed by Natalie Wood). I could not figure it out. Only in later years did I realise that the harder things are to get, plus the struggles some have to make to get them, seem to make many people value just what they have.

Thus the film did indicate to some extent about "rebellion;" maybe human beings are not geared to be absolutely satisfied. A bit of a ramble here, but I must mention I had read Steinbeck's East of Eden and then re read it. Dean's portrayal was genius. The novel had more authenticity to it than "Rebel Without a Cause". I will always remember the portrayal of the sweet girl next door. It was Abra, acted by Julie Harris, who is still with us, though sadly not so well, I believe. She was born in 1924.