The most iconic role of young James Deans career tells the story of Jim Stark, new to the LA scene without any friends, he soon stands up to the local bullies while establishing himself amongst new friends Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo). The film to me seems to be a microcosm of the times, peace time abroad but chaos at home. It didn't help with the father Frank (Jim Backus) being a complete and utter pushover, serving the whims of his overbearing wife Carol (Ann Doran). Jim is left in the middle, struggling to stand up to his mother without his fathers support. Jim appears to have the All-American boy concept that Hollywood was pushing at that time. A time capsule masterpiece that unfortunately, was one of Deans last acting roles before his tragic accident. 8/10
