East Of Eden

Overwrought, often splendid Kazan version of the Steinbeck novel. The movie's chief distinction is the amazing debut of rebellious, romantic James Dean, who in this and his next film, REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, would enshrine the misunderstood teen, and become a tragic icon in his own right. Dean plays the neurotic son of Massey, a devoutly religious lettuce farmer whose vast acreage stretches through the rich Salinas Valley of California. Dean's twin brother (Davalos, also making a powerful film debut) is well adjusted and upstanding, involved in a stable relationship with girlfriend Harris and diligently pursuing the development of his father's lands. Dean is his bro...