Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Plot:  A misunderstood SoCal teenager has troubles at school and problems at home.
Stars:  James Dean, Sal Mineo, Natalie Wood,  Jim Backus
Most Laughable Quote:  "Why did you shoot those puppies, John?"

The movie that made James Dean a legend.  A rather unbelievable story about a new High School student who manages to get into a knife fight, a deadly "chicken run", fall in love, AND resolve his family problems - all within a week. However, its well done. Surprisingly, the "family problem" revolves around his father's lack of back-bone and  not "wearing the pants in the family".  The Acting? Dean and Backus do a great job, but everyone else seems over-the-top especially Mineo.

Summary A Teenage 1950s movie - best seen when young. Since I'm quite old it didn't resonate. The more you've lived - the harder it is to care about the "tragedies" of youth.  Oh, they don't like you at the new school?  Well, wait until you go to work, and the Boss doesn't like you! And if you're sad about your Dad, well wait until *you* become a Dad and have a Son like you! Now that's a tragedy. Rating **1/2