http://articles.moviepostersandcollectibles.com/rss.xml A blog about moviepostersandcollectibles.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.moviepostersandcollectibles.com/?a=36071 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>James Dean paved the way for bad boys Hollywood history. Boys wanted to be like him, and girls wanted to date him. Critics consistently booed him, calling him a Brando imitation, but now more than a half a century after his death, we can all recognize his role as the original bad boy in Hollywood film. <br /><br />Born on February 8, 1931 in Marion, Indiana, Dean spent his life bouncing back and forth between this agricultural, rural state and the bright lights of California. When James was still a young boy, his father packed the family up in pursuit of a new career in dental hygiene, the family landed in Santa Monica, California. <br /><br />Life changed at age eight for Dean when breast cancer claimed his mother's life. A year later, he found himself back in Indiana, living with extended family. He grew up on that farm near Fairmount, Indiana. Fairmount High School planted and garnered a love of drama in Dean. He graduated and moved back to California where he resided with his newly remarried father. After a short stint at Santa Monica College, Dean transferred to UCLA and thus caused an rift and subsequent separation between him and his father. <br /><br />After some fruitless time in Hollywood, he ventured off to New York City in hopes of making his first big break, and he did. He began to study under Lee Strasberg, a well-known drama instructor. Work began to pick up with a few television and theater roles, then Dean finally caught his big break. Director Elia Kazan was searching for the right actor to Cal in his upcoming film East of Eden. Dean beat out the legendary Paul Newman. Dean's career had finally begun, and shortly thereafter it ended with a life-ending automobile accident, Dean was only 24. <br /><br />In his short life span, Dean made one major accomplishment: he made himself known. He only had three starring roles, but each one left an indelible impact on viewers. In East of Eden, Dean played Cal Trask, a disenfranchised youth constantly battling for the attention of his father with his brother Aaron. Dean seemed to embrace this role and genuinely relate to Cal because of his own relationship with his dad. <br /><br />In Rebel Without a Cause, arguably Dean's most famous film, Dean played another rebellious youth. This particular character, Jim, had difficulty forming friendships with others and slowly moves away from his parents. Dean's performance created the image of post-war 1950's teen boy. <br /><br />Dean's last role, of Jett Rink, in Giant, reflected some of the same traits of his other two roles. He played rags-to-riches Jett Rink who finds his wealth striking oil. This role led to an Oscar Nomination. <br />Dean's unforgettable performances make him an icon in Hollywood history and a permanent part of the memories of those who see him in film.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as movie posters at <br /><a href="http://www.moviepostersandcollectibles.com/">http://www.moviepostersandcollectibles.com</a></p> 2006-10-13T01:48-04:00 http://articles.moviepostersandcollectibles.com/?a=36070 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Sometimes a person just wants to see a good crime solved. Take mobster films for example, these black and white classics still have the potential to entertain audience of all ages. So if you're getting tired of the same old story, try watching one of these old school crime dramas. Actors like James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson will have you on the edge of your seat. <br /><br />Cagney made his re-entry into the mobster film genre with the film White Heat. Cagney had grown tired of producers stereo typing him, placing him in the same roles over and over again. But after significant pressure, he gave in to the producers' whims and gave viewers one of his best performances ever. Cagney's character, Cody Jarrett, finds himself with two problems: he can't stay out of prison, and he's obsessed with his mama. Once he finally makes his way out of jail, he tackles his next job. Cagney made movie history with the final scene of White Heat. Those who watch this movie will have its images permanently burned in their minds. <br /><br />With two versions, Scarface made it impact during two separate decades. The 1932 version still shocks viewers in the twenty-first century. And the Brian De Palma edition put out decades later is most famous for just one thing: Al Pacino. In the original film, the main character, Tony Camonte, is played by Paul Muni. Police arrest Tony for suspected murder when his boss Big Louis Costillo goes missing. But the body never turns up, and the police let Tony go. Like any good mobster, Tony then goes through town with the purpose of controlling the mafia territory by using stereotypical muscle. The film reaches a climax when Tony has to deal with his enemies, friends, family, police, and ultimately, his own destructive personality. <br /><br />Because of its gratuitous violence, the 1932 version of Scarface directed by Howard Hawks, faced censorship for decades. Because of its independent production, producer Howard Hughes flexed his creative muscles and allowed much more violence than any other producer would. Scarface offers a shocking and powerful film experience. <br /><br />Warner Brothers released the film Public Enemy in 1931. Cagney stars in this film as well, playing the part of real-life Chicago mobster, Earl &quot;Hymie&quot; Weiss. The social overtones alone make this film stand out above the rest. Instead of the wanting the audience to just accept Cagney's violent character, producers aimed to explain why the character has fallen into a life of crime. <br /><br />Even classic literature makes its way into mobster film. The Killlers is based on an Ernest Hemingway film. Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, and Edmond O'Brien create a film that viewers won't forget soon. <br /><br />Finally, Cagney also made his mark through the film Angels With Dirty Faces. The genuine warmth in this film makes it unique, with a cast full of children. Unlike other mobster films, this one makes the viewer think about the social aspect of the mob.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as movie posters at <br /><a href="http://www.moviepostersandcollectibles.com/">http://www.moviepostersandcollectibles.com</a></p> 2006-10-13T01:45-04:00