Movies Under the Stars

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Film Screening
(Col – 111 mins)

An NCPA & Film Heritage Foundation Presentation

Released in 1955, Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause is a tale of teenage rebellion and angst featuring James Dean in one of his final roles. He died a month before the film’s release. Dean played Jim Stark, a troubled but sensitive teenager who, although rejecting his elders’ values, desperately wants to belong and have a purpose in his life. Soon after his family moves to a new town, he takes on violent gang members while finding comfort with fellow troubled teens Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo). Capturing the youth subculture, the film’s tale of gangs, chicken races and the burgeoning sexuality of adolescence points a wagging finger of blame not at the kids, but at society itself. Critic Dan Callahan wrote about the film, “The poetic longing for connection in Ray’s film will always feel timeless.”

Director: Nicholas Ray
Screenplay: Stewart Stern
Cinematography: Ernest Haller
Cast: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jack Backus & Edward Platt

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA Members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.