Rebel Without a Cause
After moving to a new town, troublemaking teen Jim Stark is supposed to have a clean slate, although being the new kid in town brings its own problems. While searching for some stability, Stark forms a bond with a disturbed classmate, Plato, and falls for local girl Judy. However, Judy is the girlfriend of neighborhood tough, Buzz. When Buzz violently confronts Jim and challenges him to a drag race, the new kid's real troubles begin.
Critics Sentiment
Buzz dies when his jacket catches during the clifftop car race
Jim asks his father Frank about defending honor in dangerous situations
The film surges from the disappointing father-son conversation to the thrilling and tragic chickie run sequence, jumping 2.3 points.
Critics found Rebel Without a Cause to be a powerful exploration of teenage alienation anchored by James Dean's magnetic performance. While some noted melodramatic elements and dated aspects, most praised Nicholas Ray's direction and the film's emotional authenticity. The consensus views it as the definitive youth rebellion film that remains relevant decades later.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 42
James Dean
Jim Stark
Natalie Wood
Judy
Sal Mineo
John 'Plato' Crawford
Jim Backus
Frank Stark
Ann Doran
Carol Stark
Corey Allen
Buzz Gunderson
William Hopper
Judy's Father
Rochelle Hudson
Judy's Mother
Dennis Hopper
Goon
Edward Platt
Ray Fremick
Steffi Sidney
Mil
Marietta Canty
Crawford Maid
Virginia Brissac
Jim's Grandmother
Beverly Long
Helen
Ian Wolfe
Dr. Minton
Frank Mazzola
Crunch
Robert Foulk
Gene
Jack Simmons
Cookie
Tom Bernard
Harry
Nick Adams
Chick
Crew
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