James Dean Book Review: Boulevard of Broken Dreams
By Paul Alexander
Publication Date: May 1997
Publisher: Plume
ISBN: 0452278406
Punisher writes: "I feel that this book by Paul Alexander is disgraceful. He includes a photo that true Dean fans know is not Dean. After recently visiting Fairmont and talking with some of the people there, I have learned that many people are very upset that this book was ever printed." [reviewed 17 January 1998]
Mist writes: "Somewhere in the midst of his poetic introduction to Boulevard, Paul Alexander writes that it's the role of the journalist to research and write well. It's a shame that Mr. Alexander forgot his own well-writen rule when writing Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Focusing on dime-store psychology in the early part of the book (the effects of mom Mildred's death on Dean and the virtual abandoment of the young actor by his father), Alexander flawlessly moves towards rocket science scandal stories. Well-defined tales of Dean's so-called numerous stints on the casting couch and other such liasons of lust are detailed down to the last drop. Dean's well-documented romance with actress Pier Angeli is called into question by Alexander, as are most of Dean's romances (true or otherwise) with women. Dean fans will no doubt find this book to be not only discouraging, but a disgrace to the name and memory of James Dean." [reviewed 5 April 1998]