James+Dean

Overview [[image:James.jpg width="150" height="204" align="right" caption="James Dean" link="http://static.open.salon.com/files/james_dean1244780699.jpg"]]
Marion, Indiana was home to one of America’s most talented film stars, James Byron Dean. On February 8, 1931 Mildred Dean birthed this baby boy; she as well as James’ father, Winton, couldn’t have been prouder. Often referred to as a farm boy, James moved to Los Angeles when he was five years old. Here is where James would grow and thrive. Mr. Dean began his adulthood at UCLA University. After earning his degree James Dean was bound for New York, with aspirations of becoming an actor.

Critical Issue
As mentioned earlier, James Dean began his pursuit to stardom when he moved to New York. Ironically, it was not until after his death that his popularity began to rise. He became extremely popular after his death, especially with teenage girls. Time magazine in 1956 raved, “ A teen-age craze for a boyish Hollywood actor named James Dean, who has been dead for eleven months,” and, “Jimmy Dean Returns! ("Read his own words from the beyond!")”. Before James Dean had died, only one of his three movies had been available to view. Months after his tragic car crash, Mr. Dean reached number one in a Photoplay actor popularity poll; his grave was receiving 1,000 fan letters per week. Ortense Winslow, James’s aunt, was quoted that James was known to, “dream out loud about getting in the movies.” He was a handsome young man whose muscular physique only helped his chances at making it big. James Dean took part in three movies during his career. These included: East of Eden, Rebel without a Cause, and Giant. Mr. Dean was known to portray a rugged mentality, and a man lost in a troubled world. As said in East of Eden, James Dean approached Hollywood and received the greeting, “Hello, pretty boy.” 


Since his death, James has been identified as Saint Jimmy or Punk Martyr. Besides the new nicknames, James Dean is now also seen as a poet. Even though he is no longer around to act, plays are still being performed in his honor. These include: Come Back to the Five and Dime and Jimmy Dean. His TV shows became huge successes, even if he played only a minor role. Shows like Harvest, I’m a Fool, and The Unlighted Road in 1956 were being showed relentlessly. James Dean helped make the 50s in American culture.

Obituary
.http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=87824149&sid=2&Fmt=10&clientId=23966&RQT=309&VName=HNP