James Dean: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

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Description

James Dean died on 30th September 1955, aged 24. At the time of his fatal accident he had just completed "Giant", his third film after "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause". Yet from this meagre career a legend was born that shows no sign of abating. He is a classic American icon, surpassed only by Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, projecting an image of Fifties cool and tough-guy charm that has been vigorously mass-marketed via T-shirts, posters, calendars and countless fan clubs. This biolgraphy looks beyond the Hollywood manufactured cliche to the volatile polarities, conflicted sexuality and childhood trauma of the person himself. This portrait, based on many new and documented sources and featuring rare archive photographs, argues that Dean's angst-ridden compliance - in public - with rigid sexual mores helped fuel the fury and electricity of his acting.

Reviews

'The most definitive account of Dean's secret life' SUNDAY TIMES Vivid and readable' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'Sensational' DAILY EXPRESS 'Well written... well reseached, and above all, interesting and honest.' BIRMINGHAM POST 'Lots of fun.' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'A sleek and understanding portrait of the legend... a refreshing biography.' VOX

Author Bio

Paul Alexander is also the acclaimed biographer of Sylvia Plath and author of a book on the artist Andy Warhol's legacy.