REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE Screens in 35mm January 16th at Webster University

“Why did you shoot those puppies, John?”

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE will screen in 35mm at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium Friday January 16th at 7:30pm. The screening will be introduced by We Are Movie Geek’s own Tom Stockman (aka: me)

The theme of teen-age alienation received brilliant treatment in 1955 at the hands of director Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE was a poignant melodrama that made James Dean a household word. Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s I saw REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE several times on 35mm at The Tivoli (usually double-feature with EAST OF EDEN) back when it was a true repertory cinema, showing different classic double-bills every night. Movie lovers will get a chance to experience REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE in all of its 35mm glory when it screens next Friday, January 16^th at 7:30 at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 E. Lockwood in Webster Groves), one of the last venues in St. Louis that can screen 35mm film prints. It’s part of Webster University’s Centennial Film Series – a look at the Movies that Defined the Past 100 Years.

The trio of stars do standout jobs in REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE – sensitive and compelling with Sal Mineo especially appealing as the most disturbed one of the three, Plato, whose final scenes in the Griffith Observatory bring the movie to a chilling climax. His obvious hero worship of Dean’s character is played with skill, as is his loneliness and despair. Natalie Wood is warm and appealing as Judy, lovingly photographed and at her sensitive best in a demanding juvenile role. But the picture belongs to James Dean in his second (and second to last!) screen role, lending a believability and immediacy to the role of Jim Stark, who wanted to find a niche for himself in a new neighborhood until he has to confront the local thugs and the police. As his overprotective mother Ann Doran lends a sympathetic note to the role. Jim Backus as an ineffectual father who utterly fails to understand his alienated son is excellent. The Observatory scenes are given added dimension by Leonard Rosenman’s starkly effective score underscoring the torments of its teen-age protagonists. Although some complain of the film’s datedness, it explores the theme of alienation without ever insulting the intelligence of today’s audiences. Well worth watching if only for the fantastic central performance of James Dean.

The Webster University Film Series, housed in the School of Communications, is the Midwest’s premier hosting venue for American and foreign films. The Series is host to speakers and visiting artists who address the pertinent issues in films presented. In an effort to further integrate film with education, the Film Series provides workshops with artists and experts.

Unless otherwise noted, admission is:

$6 for the general public
$5 for seniors, Webster alumni and students from other schools
$4 for Webster University staff and faculty

Free for Webster students with proper I.D.

Advance tickets are available from the cashier before each screening or contact the Film Series office (314-246-7525) for more options. The Film Series can only accept cash or check.

Winifred Moore Auditorium (470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119) :

Directions: Taking Highway 44 East, exit left on Elm Ave. Make a right on East Lockwood Ave. Immediately after passing Plymouth Ave., there will be a parking lot entrance to your right (lot B). Winifred Moore Auditorium is behind Webster Hall (Building 2 on map).