 East of Eden 1955  N/R, 115 min.
Genre: Drama
Director: Elia Kazan
Cast: James Dean, Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Richard Davalos, Jo Van Fleet, Burl Ives, Albert Dekker, Lois Smith, Lonny Chapman, Timothy Carey, Harold Gordon, Nick Dennis, Richard Garrick, Earle Hodgins, John Halloran
In this film, James Dean's first starring role, he plays Cal Trask, a rebellious son who wants his father Adam's (Raymond Massey) love; however, religious zealot Adam appears to favor Cal's brother Aron (Richard Davalos). Cal is always in trouble, and only Aron's girlfriend Abra (Julie Harris) and sheriff Sam (Burl Ives) see the good in him. Adam, who owns a Salinas Valley lettuce farm, invests in a new method to ship his crops. But, the venture fails, and Adam loses a fortune. Cal goes to his long-lost mother Kate (Jo Van Fleet), who now owns a brothel. She gives him money, and Cal invests in a bean crop that proves very successful. Cal offers Adam money from the profits. Adam refuses Cal's offer to help, and tragedy ensues. Jo Van Fleet won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and nominations were received for Best Actor (Dean) and Director.
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 The Jazz Singer 1952  N/R, 106 min.
Genre: Musical / Drama
Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast: Danny Thomas, Peggy Lee, Mildred Dunnock, Eduard Franz, Tom Tully, Allyn Joslyn, Alex Gerry, Harold Gordon, Hal Ross, Justin Smith, Anitra Stevens, Gayne Whitman, Anthony Jochim
Danny Thomas takes over the Al Jolson role in this remake of the 1927 film about the cantor's (Eduard Franz) jazz-singing son Jerry Golding (Thomas) who strives for a musical career. Jerry returns from the Korean War to his home in Philadelphia where his father wants him to be the cantor in their synagogue. But Jerry, who wants to sing on Broadway, breaks his father's heart when he favors show business over being a cantor. He does find romance with musical comedy star Judy (Peggy Lee) and rises to stardom. By story's end, his father has given Jerry his blessing. Songs include "Lover," "Birth of the Blues," and "Just One of Those Things."
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| 1. East of Eden (1955)
2. The Jazz Singer (1952)
3. Yellowneck (1955)
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