The James Dean Story (1957)

"The James Dean Story" is a poignant documentary shot in the shadow of the legendary actor's untimely demise, offering an intimate exploration of his fleeting yet impactful existence. The film, a colorful mosaic of still images, heartfelt interviews, and previously unseen footage, paints a vivid portrait of the complex man behind the iconic persona. Embarking on a heartfelt journey through Dean's past, the narrative weaves together the voices of those who knew him best - the aunt and uncle who became his surrogate parents after his mother's death when he was just nine, the fraternal grandparents who bequeathed him his rustic charm, a loyal cabdriver friend from the bustling heart of New York City, and the proprietor of his favored Los Angeles eatery. The conspicuous absence of any mention of his living father adds a poignant note to the unfolding narrative, hinting at unspoken complexities within Dean's family life. As the documentary delves further into Dean's legacy, it uncovers rare gems from his career, including outtakes from his breakthrough film, "East of Eden" (1955), glimpses from the star-studded opening night of "Giant" (1956), and his ironically haunting safe driving public service announcement – an eerie echo of his tragic end in a car accident. "The James Dean Story" is more than just a documentary - it is a deeply personal, immersive journey into the life of a cultural icon, capturing the spirit of James Dean as both an extraordinary actor and a complex man, eternally frozen in the timeless beauty of his youth.

The James Dean Story is a documentary movie featuring Martin Gabel and directed by Robert Altman.

The James Dean Story is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The James Dean Story on Amazon Video and FlixFling.