James Dean and Natalie Wood star in 1955’s “Rebel Without A Cause.” Jim {played by James Dean} is a new kid in town who can’t seem to fit in. The troubled past that he and his family packed up to move away from seems to follow him wherever he goes.

What Did We Think About “Rebel Without A Cause”

Amber, Jay and I all watched this movie together and we were all excited to see James Dean in a movie as none of us had before. I was also excited to see Natalie Wood. Regardless of the excitement, none of us loved “Rebel Without A Cause.” Personally, I thought it was really overacted and poorly timed {by several of the actors} and didn’t seem to have much of a point. The characters made really stupid decisions and generally acted like life just sort of happened to them and their poor decision making had nothing do with any of it.

Also, a main character gets killed and no one seems to care – even his girl friend {played by Natalie Wood}, who tells Jim that she loves him very shortly afterwards. So, I don’t think this would fall into one of those “coming of age” movie categories that you learn something and grow from. All of the teens in the movie seem to have major problems with their parents, society, life, whatever and you never really find out why, so it’s really hard to empathize with them. I think this movie is something you would definitely want to see for nostalgia’s sake, but I don’t think it is a “must have” for your movie collection.

If you want to see a movie that is based on a similar theme {popular kids versus misunderstood loners}, I recommend “The Outsiders.” I thought it was much better. Or maybe even “Grease.” I used to love Beverly Hills 90210 and I always heard people talking about how Dylan McKay {Luke Perry} reminded them of James Dean. I definitely see that. I hope to catch “East of Eden,” also starring James Dean later this year.

Tragedy Surrounding The Stars Of “Rebel Without A Cause”

James Dean died in a car accident the same year this movie was released and it was one of only a very few starring roles he performed. “Rebel Without A Cause” is widely considered his most memorable role. Sadly, he was only 24 years old at the time of his death.

Natalie Wood drowned in the early 80s while on a boat with husband Robert Wagner and fellow actor Christopher Walken. The death was ruled as an accident for many years but has been recently reopened and ruled as “undetermined.”

Dennis Hopper also had a very minor role as Goon in “Rebel Without A Cause.” He passed away in 2010 due to prostate cancer that had metastasized. He was 74.

Have You Seen “Rebel Without A Cause?” Do You Agree With My Rating? Why Or Why Not?

Check Out The Rest Of Our #50FromThe50s Movie Suggestions

1. North By Northwest [1959, Cary Grant]

2. Rebel Without A Cause [1955, James Dean & Natalie Wood]

3. How To Marry A Millionaire [1953, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall]

4. The Ten Commandments [1956, Charlton Heston, Yul Brenner]

5. Love In The Afternoon [1957, Audrey Hepburn, Gary Cooper]

6. An Affair To Remember [1957, Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr]