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East of Eden

Play trailer Poster for East of Eden PG 1955 1h 55m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In this film based on John Steinbeck's epic novel, Cal Trask (James Dean), the son of a California farmer (Raymond Massey), feels that his father cares only about his brother, Aron (Richard Davalos). When Cal embarks on a business venture to gain the favor of his dad, he finds himself dealing with his estranged mother (Jo Van Fleet), now the owner of a brothel, and tensions in the family rise even further when he begins to fall for Aron's girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris).

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East of Eden

East of Eden

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Critics Consensus

East of Eden strains to swell its story to epic dimensions, but James Dean's riveting performance gives this CinemaScope drama much of its raging heart.

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Critics Reviews

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Basil Taylor Sight & Sound 03/17/2020
The film ends on a flagrant miscalculation which typifies Kazan at his worst. Go to Full Review Pauline Kael The New Yorker 01/03/2018
It's far from a dull movie, but it's certainly a very strange one; it's an enshrinement of the mixed-up kid. Go to Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader 11/01/2007
John Steinbeck's painful biblical allegory -- Genesis replayed in Monterey, California, circa 1917 -- is more palatable on the screen, thanks to the down-to-earth performances of James Dean as Cal/Cain and Richard Davalos as Aron/Abel. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 08/10/2023
3.5/4
After testing various performers (including a newcomer named Paul Newman), Elia Kazan went with the unknown James Dean, a move that immediately yielded dividends. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 06/11/2023
The film is set in 1917 but Dean feels completely modern and contemporary, a boy not quite comfortable in his body. Go to Full Review Jason Delgado Film Threat 04/06/2023
7/10
Jimmy Dean, as they called him, will stand the test of time due to his powerful on-screen presence because once a star is born on celluloid, they live on forever. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ede H. @EdeJean Jan 1 I loved the book. The movie didn’t live up to that. Great acting, good story, just not enough. See more Meri S. @mschroeder Sep 21 A movie of its time; very melodramatic. Not a fan that so many prominent characters were cut out of the movie and took some different approaches that didn’t follow the classic novel. See more Luke S @RT54699090 Aug 8 Coming of age can be challenging - especially when your father and twin brother have pigeonholed you as bad. Melodrama abounds. It doesn't nearly capture all the beauty of Steinbeck's novel, but it gives it a good shot. See more Lisa L @RT96429402 Jul 9 After reading the book, I can not recommend watching the movie. There are so many elements of the book that are left out. The supporting character in the book, "Lee," isn't even part of the movie. Not sure why. The ending is missing so much. Very disappointed! See more RJ T @RT73957155 08/26/2024 It saddens me to see such an amazing book so poorly adapted. See more James E @RT52628220 08/25/2024 One of the great film classics. James Dean establishes him self in this film. Based on the second half of the John Steinbeck novel of the same name. It does an excellent job of telling the story on film The supporting cast is outstanding, including Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Brul Ives and JoVan Fleet, who won best supporting actress. The film was shot in the Monterey, California location, where the story takes place. A true 5 star rating. Don't miss this one. and some of the characters truly memorable. It was shot where the story took place in Monterey, California a wonderful setting. A true five star film that holds up well. See more Read all reviews
East of Eden

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Cast & Crew

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Elia Kazan

Director

James Dean

Cal Trask

Julie Harris

Abra

Raymond Massey

Adam Trask

Jo Van Fleet

Kate

Burl Ives

Sam the Sheriff

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East of Eden

East of Eden (1955) East of Eden (1955) East of Eden (1955) East of Eden (1955) East of Eden (1955) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In this film based on John Steinbeck's epic novel, Cal Trask (James Dean), the son of a California farmer (Raymond Massey), feels that his father cares only about his brother, Aron (Richard Davalos). When Cal embarks on a business venture to gain the favor of his dad, he finds himself dealing with his estranged mother (Jo Van Fleet), now the owner of a brothel, and tensions in the family rise even further when he begins to fall for Aron's girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris).
Director
Elia Kazan
Producer
Elia Kazan
Screenwriter
Paul Osborn, John Steinbeck
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Warner Brothers
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Some Violent Content)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 9, 1955, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 31, 2007
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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