The Death of James Dean

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

I find myself being very cautious on the highway.  I don't have the urge to speed on the highway.  People say racing is dangerous, but I'll take my chances on the track any day than on a highway.

- James Dean

ON THIS DAY

An American cultural icon died on September 30, 1955.  James Dean was a mere 24 years of age when he lost his life in a car crash. The car racing enthusiast was driving a Porsche 550 Spyder on U.S. Route 466 (later State Route 46) near Cholame, Califormia when the accident occurred.

Jimmy Dean's most famous movie is Rebel Without a Cause in which his character, Jim Stark, is the embodiment of youthful angst. Perhaps the rebelliousness that Dean represented in the 1950s was a harbinger of what was to come in the 1960s as the post-war generation began to reach young adulthood.

However, James Dean was far more than just a poster boy for a restless generation. He was more than just a symbol for angry young men. First and foremost, he was a talented actor. In fact, he received two posthumous Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. The first was East of Eden (1955) and the second was for Giant (1956).

Click on the link below to watch a video of a James Dean interview with fellow actor Gig Young.  The interview was made while Dean was filming Giant, his final movie. It was filmed for an episode of Warner Brothers Presents on the ABC network. Given what happened on that fateful day in 1955, my eyes nearly popped out when I watched it.  It's certainly quite eerie, especially since the two actors discuss car racing and driving safely on the highways. As it comes to an end, Gig Young asks Dean if he has any advice for young people who drive. His parting words are “Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7u8bA_L6yU


SPORTS

Baseball

What a great night for Blue Jays fans! Manager Cito Gason was honoured and the Jays defeated the Yankees by a score of 8-3. It was the last home game of the season for the Jays and it ended on a happy note. The Jays have one more series on the road against the Minnesota Twins before the 2010 season comes to an end.

I was at the game and had a great time. There was a party atmosphere at the dome and Cito received the credit he so richly deserves.

- Joanne