The James Dean Story
“The real story of the most talked-about star of our time!”
Synopsis
Released two years after James Dean's death, this documentary chronicles his short life and career via black-and-white still photographs, interviews with the aunt and uncle who raised him, his paternal grandparents, a New York City cabdriver friend, the owner of his favorite Los Angeles restaurant, outtakes from East of Eden, footage of the opening night of Giant, and Dean's ironic PSA for safe driving.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
James Dean
Self (archive footage)
Martin Gabel
Narrator
Lew Bracker
Self
Marvin Carter
Self
Patsy D'Amore
Self
Charles Dean
Self
Emma Dean
Self
Louis de Liso
Self
Arlene Martel
Self
Lili Kardell
Self
Christine White
Self
Clint Walker
Self
Natalie Wood
Self
Gig Young
Self
Jayne Mansfield
Self
Rock Hudson
Self
Dennis Hopper
Self
Mickey Hargitay
Self
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 13, 1957
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Altman, George W. George
- Screenplay & Story
- Stewart Stern
- Original Score
- Leith Stevens
- Original Title
- The James Dean Story
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French, English
- Runtime
- 1h 21m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Altman, George W. George
Stewart Stern
Leith Stevens
Robert Altman, George W. George
Robert Altman, George W. George
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Altman
Director
George W. George
Director
Stewart Stern
Screenplay
Robert Altman
Producer
George W. George
Producer
Leith Stevens
Original Music Composer
Robert Altman
Editor
George W. George
Editor
Louis Clyde Stoumen
Production Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The James Dean Story.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The James Dean Story.
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Robert Altman
MGM+ US - Documentary Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on MGM+ (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
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BD Release: Past-1960
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Frequently Asked Questions About The James Dean Story
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The James Dean Story about?
Released two years after James Dean's death, this documentary chronicles his short life and career via black-and-white still photographs, interviews with the aunt and uncle who raised him, his paternal grandparents, a New York City cabdriver friend, the owner of his favorite Los Angeles restaurant, outtakes from East of Eden, footage of the opening night of Giant, and Dean's ironic PSA for safe driving.
Who directed The James Dean Story?
The James Dean Story was directed by Robert Altman, George W. George.
Who stars in The James Dean Story?
The principal cast of The James Dean Story includes James Dean, Martin Gabel, Lew Bracker, Marvin Carter, Patsy D'Amore.
When was The James Dean Story released and how long is it?
The James Dean Story was released in 1957 with a total runtime of 1h 21m.
Who composed the musical score for The James Dean Story?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The James Dean Story was composed by Leith Stevens.