O Espírito de James Dean

This autobiographical film is one of the rare American motion pictures to examine the effect that movie stars have on audiences, particularly young audiences yearning for role models during times of emotional isolation. Writer-director James Bridges ("The Paper Chase," "The China Syndrome") recalls his youth in Paris, Arkansas (called Conway here) to create a heartfelt work of escalating intensity as its impressionable hero, Jimmy J (Richard Thomas), leads his friends over the edge as they mourn James Dean. "September 30, 1955" integrates images, themes, and even the music (also by Leonard Rosenmann) from "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause," and adds resonances to both films. This little, unheralded picture needs to be seen -- as does Richard Thomas's utterly brave performance. The key to understanding this film is not to think of it as a "youth picture" but as a deconstruction of the movie star mythos.

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.

I revisited this period piece last night, about a bunch of rebellious Arkansas Students on the night the Actor James Dean died in a Car Crash. Led by a strong performance from Richard Thomas (THE WALTONS) and a Cast filled with up and coming Actors most of which are still working today. Many of you out there are in your 50s 60s or 70s and I think might like to watch this Movie too ? Also encourage you to visit James Dean s IMDB page, which is loaded with information about his Life and Times. I drive by the sight of his car accident often, just outside of Paso Robles CA. Movie is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime. Emotional Film ! Directed by James Bridges.

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.

September 30, 1955 (1977)

** (out of 4)

Coming of age film about a troubled teen (Richard Thomas) whose life falls apart when he hears that his idol James Dean has been killed. This is a rather nice homage to Dean and it was interesting seeing how some peoples lives were changed by his death but writer/director James Bridges makes one fatal mistake that kills the film and he makes the lead one of the biggest assholes who be in any movie I've seen. The main character played by Thomas thinks he is just like Dean so he tries being a rebel but instead his character comes off as a complete jerk. He's so bad that you can't help but wish someone would just beat the hell out of him. Lisa Blount plays another teen who ties to communicate with Dean through black magic while dressed up as Vampira. Tom Hulce, Susan Tyrrell and Dennis Quaid round out the cast.