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| Synopsis~ This truncated screen version of John Steinbeck's best-seller was the first starring vehicle for explosive 1950s screen personality James Dean, who plays Cal Trask, the "bad" son of taciturn Salinas valley lettuce farmer Adam Trask (Raymond Massey). Although he means well, Cal can't stay out of trouble, nor is he able to match the esteem in which his father holds his "good" brother Aron (Richard Davalos). Only Aron's girl friend Abra (Julie Harris) and kindly old Doctor Sam (Burl Ives) can see the essential goodness in the troublesome Cal. In an effort to win his father's love, Cal purchases a fresh lettuce crop to replace the ruined lettuce that threatened to bankrupt his family. But when the stiff-necked Adam discover that Cal borrowed the money from notorious Monterey madam Kate (Jo Van Fleet), he rejects the gift. For Adam now realizes that Cal knows that Kate is Cal and Aron's mother, long thought dead. ~Hal Erickson Review~ A grand, visually remarkable adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, East of Eden was one of the films responsible for the cult that grew up around James Dean. Released in 1955, the same year as Dean's Rebel Without a Cause, Eden featured the actor in his sullen, troubled prime, rolling his eyes, mumbling his words, and stuffing his hands into his pockets as only he knew how. At once angry and vulnerable, Dean's performances in both movies established him as an icon of youthful discontent for decades to come. Aside from its place in the Dean iconography, East of Eden remains remarkable for Elia Kazan's use of CinemaScope, capturing with harsh vibrancy the expanse and breathtaking desolation of the California farmlands. The landscape crackles with a moody intensity that mirrors the conflicts among the film's central characters. In this respect, East of Eden earned its place in Hollywood legend: it featured great performances from its human principals, while the scenery gave a spellbinding performance in its own right. ~ Rebecca Flint Cast~ Julie Harris - Abra James Dean - Cal Trask Raymond Massey - Adam Trask Burl Ives - Sam, the Sheriff Jo Van Fleet - Kate Dick Davalos - Aron Trask Albert Dekker - Will Hamilton Lois Smith - Ann Harold Gordon - Mr. Albrecht Timothy Carey - Joe Mario Siletti - Piscora Lonny Chapman - Roy Nick Dennis - Rantani Harry Cording Jonathan Haze - Piscora's Son Frank Mazzola - Student Barbara Baxley - Nurse |
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