James Dean (1976 film)

James Dean (also known as James Dean: Portrait of a Friend) is a 1976 NBC television film about actor James Dean and starring Stephen McHattie in the title role.[1][2][3][4]

James Dean
Written byWilliam Bast
Directed byRobert Butler
StarringStephen McHattie
Michael Brandon
Brooke Adams
Candy Clark
Amy Irving
Katherine Helmond
Meg Foster
Dane Clark
Jayne Meadows
Heather Menzies
Music byBilly Goldenberg
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Original release
Release1976 (1976)

The role of screenwriter William Bast, Dean's best friend, is played by Michael Brandon. This portrayal is based on the 1956 biography by Bast,[5] which recounts the early acting career and rise of Dean. The film paints a clear picture of James Dean's pursuit for authenticity, depth and artistic meaning. Bast claimed that Dean's inspiration as an actor was inspired by what he learned from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's 1943 novella The Little Prince.

References

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  1. ^ Colker, David (May 10, 2015). "William Bast dies at 84; screenwriter co-created 'The Colbys'". Los Angeles Times.
  2. ^ Shales, Tom (August 5, 2001). "The Incredible Sulk: TNT's 'James Dean'". The Washington Post.
  3. ^ Gray, Tim (September 30, 2015). "James Dean: After 60 Years, Still the Coolest Icon of Teen Angst". Variety.
  4. ^ ""James Dean" World Premiere!". TV Guide. February 14, 1976.
  5. ^ Dagan, Carmel (May 7, 2015). "William Bast, Writer for TV Who Penned James Dean Bios, Dies at 84". Variety.
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