Rebel Without a Cause/Trivia


 * Actor Allusion: In one scene, Jim Stark mutters at his father (played by Jim Backus) in a Mr. Magoo-like voice. (Backus being, of course, the voice of Magoo.)
 * James Dean played Cal Trask in East of Eden.
 * The Danza: James Dean plays James "Jim" Stark.
 * Dawson Casting: Mineo and Wood are the right age; Dean is 24 and looks it, enough that his romances with the other two feel a bit squicky.
 * Hey, It's That Guy!: Keep an eye out for an eighteen year old Dennis Hopper.
 * And Ray Fremick is The Chief.
 * Don't forget Frank Stark is Thurston Howell III.
 * Playing Against Type: Jim Backus.
 * What Could Have Been: Rebel was supposed to be black & white. The decision to shoot the film in color meant less pay for extras which is why there were few extras in the knife fight scene.
 * Marlon Brando did a screen test for the part of Jim in the 1940s. The script was later rewritten and Brando was not offered the part, with James Dean cast instead.
 * Word of Gay: Plato is supposed to be gay, but the censors at the time wouldn't let them say it, so it's only implied.