James Dean quiz

More questions about James Dean

These visible examples show the question style. LearnClash turns the full topic into ranked duels and spaced repetition.

1. 1 Easy

   How did James Dean's Rebel character show family pain?

   Answer: By yelling at his dad

   Why: In the police station Jim screams "You're tearing me apart!"; later he begs his father, played by Jim Backus, to stand up for him.

2. 2 Medium

   Why did James Dean drive his Porsche to Salinas instead of towing it?

   Answer: To break in the engine

   Why: Dean planned to tow the Porsche behind his new Ford wagon, but mechanic Rolf Wütherich urged him to drive it because it lacked the miles to qualify for the race.

3. 3 Hard

   What was James Dean's character name in the film East of Eden?

   Answer: Cal Trask

   Why: Cal Trask was the only leading role Dean lived to see released; the part brought him the first posthumous Best Actor Oscar nomination ever.

4. 4 Easy

   Besides Marlon Brando, who was James Dean's other acting idol?

   Answer: Montgomery Clift

   Why: Kazan first considered Brando for Cal and Clift for Aron in East of Eden, but at 30 and 34 both were too old to play teenage brothers.

5. 5 Medium

   Which actor did Elia Kazan first want as Cal in East of Eden?

   Answer: Marlon Brando

   Why: Kazan first imagined Brando as Cal and Montgomery Clift as brother Aron, but at 30 and 34 they were too old to play Steinbeck's teenage sons.

6. 6 Hard

   What was the first TV commercial James Dean ever appeared in?

   Answer: Pepsi-Cola

   Why: The 1950 Pepsi spot was Dean's first paid acting job; its producer then cast him in a 1951 Easter special that sparked his first fan club.