The Death of James Dean FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Dean, a handsome young actor, seemed headed for Hollywood idoldom when he died in an auto accident in California on September 30, 1955. Almost immediately thereafter he became a cult figure, and that situation has continued, shows the author. Since Dean made only three films, the focus of the cultists has been as much, perhaps more, on his death than on his life. The first half of this book, relating the accident, the inquest, the anniversary gatherings at Dean's burial site and similar topics, will strike the general reader as inconsequential. But in the second half, Beath profiles some of the odd, obsessed fans who keep the Dean legend alive; this section is brilliant, recalling Nathanael West. There is one disquieting note, however: Beath himself is a collector of Dean memorabilia. Photos not seen by PW. 10,000 first printing; author tour. (September 30)
Library Journal
Thirty-one years after James Dean's death, the hysteria continues. The thesis behind this book is that there may have been a cover-up in the investigation of the car crash that killed Dean. Furthermore, Beath believes the driver of the other car involved should have been charged in the accident. Offered in testimony are excerpts from the official inquest, an independent investigation of the day, and a few interviews. Rounding out the work are communications between Dean cultists, the starry-eyed idolatry of actress Vampira (Maila Nurmia friend of Dean), and ruminations on Dean's spiritual impact on America. Much ado about very little, but still a fascinating glimpse into the insular world of the cultist. Christopher Schemering, formerly with Arlington Cty. P.L., Va.
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