September 30, 1955

Richard Thomas of 'Waltons' fame stars here as Jimmy J., an Arkansas undergrad in the 1950s who idolizes rising film star James Dean. He feels a kinship with the young actor, thinking that their lives have mirrored each others'. When he learns of Deans' death, he goes a little crazy, dragging his friends into assorted escapades that ultimately have a sad result.

Written and directed by James Bridges ("The China Syndrome"), this little period piece seems to be somewhat forgotten nowadays. It's not always terribly compelling or interesting, but it's still worthy of some respect, considering the way that it examines the fascination that some people feel for movie stars. Dean in particular had an iconic presence that resonated with a generation; it's not hard to believe that his passing was deeply felt by people like Jimmy J.

A mixture of comedy and drama, "September 30, 1955" is sometimes amusing and sometimes poignant, leaving us with one memorable showcase speech for Thomas, and the idea that life is not really "like a movie" as some folks might think.

The period recreation is pretty good, and the film benefits from a touching score by Leonard Rosenman, who had scored the Dean vehicles "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause" once upon a time. But the main reason to watch is the talented, engaging young cast, some of them making their feature-film debuts. Thomas is wonderful, and his supporting actors make for an endearing ensemble: Deborah Benson (leading lady in the superior slasher "Just Before Dawn") as Jimmy J.'s girlfriend, Lisa Blount ("Prince of Darkness") as the fellow free spirit and Dean devotee, Thomas Hulce ("Amadeus") as the roommate, Dennis Christopher ("Breaking Away") as the sidekick, and Dennis Quaid as the jock. Collin Wilcox Paxton ("To Kill a Mockingbird") plays Jimmy J.'s mother, and Susan Tyrrell ("Forbidden Zone") plays Billie Jean's mom.

A semi-autobiographical tale for Bridges, who grew up in Paris, Arkansas himself.

Seven out of 10.

An appealing rookie effort by James Bridges that has its moments. Yes, the quality is uneven but its melancholy, nostalgic undercurrent echoes Dean's effect on the disaffected youth of the "innocent" Fifties, the first generation to register his impact. Offbeat, quirky and, yes, melodramatic, "September 30, 1955" captures adolescent confusion, longing and the death of innocence, paralleling Dean's own untimely death. The day-for-night closing fade-out and elegiac music foreshadow a sleepy generation soon to lose its Saturday-night youth to rapid, startling change. Throughout, Dean's presence is often eerily palpable in an admittedly lesser effort that deserves a greater following.

Had never heard of this movie and turned it on because nothing else was on. Turns out it was a touching and well-acted story.

Richard Thomas--normally I don't much care for him--was excellent. There's fun here and there's melodrama, and it's a little over the top, but all in all, it's quite entertaining.

The film was made in 1977, but it doesn't seem all that dated. The sensibility and ironies, which abound, seem quite contemporary, even though it's set in 1955, and it recreates that era very well. At any rate, if you have a chance to see it, I think you'll like it.

It's also fun to see Dennis Quaid and Tom Hulce in their late teens.

College boy in Arkansas 1955--a big fan of James Dean from the movie "East of Eden" (which he has seen four times at the local picture show)--is sad and upset upon hearing the news of Dean's death in a car crash on September 30th; meanwhile, his former girlfriend (the town tramp!) is taking her grief to extreme measures. Despite hero-worship theme and some eccentric flourishes, a rather typical depiction of angsty small town kids trying to act grown-up by drinking and defying the law. Writer-director James Bridges has a good ear for dialogue, but he's a bit lax with his actors aside from the always-solid Richard Thomas in the lead. Gordon Willis' burnished cinematography lends the proceedings a highly sophisticated look that Bridges' juvenile script really doesn't deserve (or require), yet there are evocative and lively moments. ** from ****

This is the worst movie I have ever seen. The whole movie is just kids bummed out because James Dean died. I saw this movie back when it was first aired in theaters, and it is the only theater movie I've seen that was roundly booed by the audience well before the ending. Don't anybody even think of putting this movie in the same genre as American Grafitti.