James Dean would’ve celebrated his 84th birthday today. He was the first real teenager (portraying angst, confusion, deep emotion) on the silver screen in “Rebel without a Cause” and “East of Eden.” Here’s a look at his early NYC years, and his first apartment. Circa 1953– James Dean, in his days as a young, struggling […]
Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile built by Dean Jeffries. The car was featured on the NBC network’s comedy television show “The Monkees” starring Davey Jones, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork. Created from two Pontiac GTOs, the visually radical Monkeemobile was an instant hit with fans of the show. This shot shows the dragster-inspired parachute deployed […]
The irony is that James Dean was considered anything but stylish by many of his Hollywood peers of the day. He turned heads and created a legend, not by dressing up– but by dressing down. Established style icon Humphrey Bogart looked down his nose at Dean, considering him a punk and a slob. On Jimmy’s […]
* James Dean– from the haircut and setting, I’d say it’s during the filming of Rebel Without a Cause. * Dennis Hopper said that when he was around 18 or 19 years old, he thought of himself as one of the best, our at least on his way to being one of the best, actors […]
James Dean on the lot of Competition Motors with his infamous silver Porsche 550 Spyder not long before is tragic death on Sept. 30, 1955 – Image courtesy mptvimages.com. Jimmy had finished shooting George Stevens’ epic “Giant” (notice his hairline was shaved by the studio to play the older, receeding Jett Rink). With the film […]
* James Dean’s love for speed, racing and “living on the edge” are all well documented in many books, documentaries and bios– so I won’t belabor the point here. Check out the video after the jump for a “James Dean legend” primer. What is fascinating is the tremendous staying power, cult status and curse stories […]
“Niki Lauda had raised concerns about the safety of the track at the German Grand Prix at Nürburgring, but couldn’t convince other drivers to join him in protest. Due to a reported rear suspension failure, coupled with a wet track, his car swerved off course, hit an embankment, and burst into flames. Trapped inside the car, […]
From “A Day at the Races” by S. Clayton Moore– During the pinnacle of Ed Kretz Jr.’s career in the late 1950s and early 1960s, he raced alongside some of the world’s most famous racers, pushing Indians and Triumphs to the very edge of their capabilities. His racing buddies included screen legends like Steve McQueen […]
The Selvedge Yard 