EAST OF EDEN

Abra says he's scary, like an animal, but what she really means is that she thinks he's pretty cute.

Long before I ever laid eyes on James Dean, I knew the story of my mom going to see Rebel Without a Cause at age 12. When it was over, she went home, threw herself across her bed and cried for hours, because by then James Dean was already dead. When I finally saw the movie for myself, I understood just how she felt. Not only was he young and handsome when he died, James Dean was incredibly talented. In an era of keeping up appearances, he dared to be real—to move and speak with the quirks of a three-dimensional person. At 24 he had more character in his face than some men twice his age. In short, he was interesting. Consequently, East of Eden is interesting too.

Based on the Steinbeck novel, East of Eden is the Cain and Abel story of two brothers raised by an idealistic father (appropriately named Adam and played by Raymond Massey). Their mother left when they were babies, and they grew up believing she was dead. This brought Aron (Richard Davalos) even closer to their father, but left Cal (James Dean) an outsider.

The audience is introduced to Cal as he follows the local Madame around a strange town. His presence seems ominous—what is he up to? Why did he ride all that way on the top of a train to harass the proprietor of a whorehouse? Why would he ask about her, then say, "If you see her, tell her I hate her"? Turns out the Madame is his mother, and unlike his father and brother, Cal knows the truth.

Armed with this information, Cal can't help wondering if he takes after his mother. Maybe that's why he's so bad! Maybe that's why he does shocking things like throwing ice blocks out of the barn at random and spying on Aron and his girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris). Abra says he's scary, like an animal, but what she really means is that she thinks he's pretty cute.

When a failed business venture drains Adam of his savings, Cal seizes the opportunity to make it up to him. He begins working harder on the farm, even introducing a clever assembly line system. Still, his father will offer no more than backhanded compliments, so Cal resolves to do more. By borrowing money from his mother and investing wisely, Cal is able to recoup his father's losses. He plans to present the money as a monumental birthday present, but nothing goes as planned. Not only does that prissy Aron steal his thunder, but Adam refuses the money and admonishes Cal for profiting from the war. At this point Cal confronts his brother and winds up telling him about their mother. He even drags him along to meet her, and while Aron stands gaping at the horror of it all, Cal gives him a nudge that sends him sprawling right on the poor woman. Yee haw, you show 'em Cal!

In classic you-can't-handle-the-truth fashion, Aron and Adam are destroyed by this revelation. Cal and Abra are left to pick up the pieces, and the two fragile misfits emerge as the smartest and strongest in the bunch. At long last Cal has the opportunity to prove himself to his father. The final scene is so moving that you just want to cry... on your bed... for hours.