Rebel Without a Cause was James Dean's last and greatest film, released to critical acclaim a month after his death in 1955. It chronicles a day in the life of new-kid-in-town Jim Stark, a troubled teenager looking for a fresh start. But this is not to be – despite his efforts, Jim's life quickly spirals out of control in a sombre reflection on the moral decay of middle-class youth, broken parent-child relations and the alienating nature of modern society.
Shot in Los Angeles, the film's locations bring a welcome dose of light to an otherwise dark tale. Two of the film's crucial scenes – the fight between Jim and Buzz, and the final confrontation between Plato and the police – take place at the famed Griffith Observatory and Planetarium, an art deco landmark that opened in 1935. Commanding a view over the Los Angeles Basin and the ocean from its hilltop perch, the observatory offers a variety of space and science exhibits. If you visit the area, don't miss the bust of Dean on the west side of the grounds.
Also take some time to explore the surrounding Griffith park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. You can attend a concert in the magnificent open-air Greek theatre, tour the Los Angeles zoo and explore the park's several fascinating museums. Or hike one of the numerous trails, such as the path that traverses Mount Lee and affords a tantalising view of the famous Hollywood sign on its southern flank.
Much of Jim's trouble begins when he shows up for the first day at his new school, called Dawson High in the film. This is, in fact, the venerable Santa Monica high school, one of the oldest in the state. Located at 601 Pico Boulevard in downtown Santa Monica, it's a short distance from this beachside community's main attractions: the Third Street promenade, a pedestrianised mall, and Santa Monica pier, a 100-year-old landmark featuring an amusement park, carousel, aquarium, shops and restaurants.
Although many of the film's residences were either studio creations or no longer exist, one remains the same: the house outside which Jim collapses in a drunken stupor during the opening credits. You'll recognise this very intersection at 7529 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. Only one block north of Hollywood Boulevard, it's a short stroll from this famed thoroughfare's landmarks: Grauman's Chinese and Egyptian theatres, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and of course the Walk of Fame, where at 1719 Vine Street you can see James Dean's star, installed six years after the film legend's tragic and untimely death.
Watch Rebel Without a Cause on Sky Movies Modern Greats on Sunday 13 February at 8pm.
