Learn More

The film's troubled teenage trio was brought to life by James Dean as the iconic new kid in town, Jim Stark; Natalie Wood as his love interest, Judy; and Sal Mineo as the lonely and vulnerable Plato. Released in 1955, the movie was a landmark piece of cinema that captured the emotional turmoil and alienation felt by many young people in post-war America. It gave a powerful voice to a generation that felt misunderstood by their parents and society, making its three young leads into instant cultural icons.
Tragically, the film is also known for the grim fate that befell its stars, leading to speculation about a "curse." James Dean was killed in a car crash at the age of 24, just a month before the movie's premiere, a fact that forever cemented his legendary status. Sal Mineo, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Plato, was murdered in 1976. Finally, Natalie Wood, who went on to a long and successful Hollywood career, died in a mysterious drowning incident in 1981, closing a dark chapter on the three actors who so vividly portrayed a generation's angst.
More Entertainment Trivia Questions
Which actor played the role of Officer Gannon on TV's Dragnet, and the role of Sherman Potter in M.A.S.H.?
20After the stabbing death of two teenagers by another teenager in 1959, some radio stations banned this Bobby Darin hit record from "The Threepenny Opera." What was the song title?
20Can you name the actor, born in South Africa to British parents, who most often portrayed Sherlock Holmes in films, 14 times in the 1940's?
20The campy gay-influenced late 70's disco group called the Village People had three top 40 hits. One was "YMCA." What were the other two?
20This operatic tenor who died in 1921 was the first singer ever to sell over one million records. What was his name?
201931 horror films: a. Which actor starred in the title role of the original 1931 film, Dracula? b. Who starred as Dr. Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 original of Frankenstein?