Originally released as a motion picture in 1955. Based on the novel by John Steinbeck. Special features: New 50th anniversary documentary 'East of Eden: art in search of life" documentary; "Forever James Dean" vintage documentary; additional scenes; screen tests; wardrobe tests, costume and production design gallery; 3/19/55 New York Premiere footage. Julie Harris, James Dean, Raymond Massey, Burl Ives, Richard Davalos, Jo Van Fleet, Lois Smith.
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"Based on John Steinbeck's novel and directed by Elia Kazan, East of Eden is the first of three major films that make up James Dean's movie legacy. The 24-year-old idol-to-be- plays Cal, a wayward Salinas Valley youth who vies for the affection of his hardened father (Raymond Massey) with his favored brother Aron (Richard Davalos). Playing off the haunting sensitivity of Julie Harris, Dean's performance earned one of the film's four Academy Award® nominations. Among the movie's stellar performances, Jo Van Fleet won the Oscar® as Best Supporting Actress." -- Case.
Summary:
Cal Trask is considered the "bad" son of taciturn Salinas Valley lettuce farmer Adam Trask. Although Cal always means well, he just can't stay out of trouble. Neither is Cal able to match the high esteem in which his father holds his "good" brother Aron. Only Aron's girl friend Abra and kindly old Doctor Sam seem to be able to see the essential goodness in the troublesome Cal. In an effort to win his father's love, Cal purchases a fresh lettuce crop to replace the ruined beans that threatened to bankrupt his family. But Adam rejects the gift and comes to realizes that Cal knows that Kate is Cal and Aron's mother, whom both boys thought was long dead.
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