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Lot 157 Only 24 years old with three movies under his belt, James Dean was certain to star in many more leading films, but on September 30, 1955 his life would be tragically cut short as a result of a car crash. He has left behind a legacy that through time has propelled him to an iconic status beyond reproach. Based not only on the limited glimpses of an unfulfilled talent upon the silver-screen but also on a presence and appearance that not only captured the imagination of the youth of the day, but has in turn influenced and effected every new generation to follow.
The following three letters are from a period when Dean was on the cusp of breaking Hollywood, written during his time on Broadway, and whilst filming 'East of Eden'. The letters written to his then girlfriend Barbara Glenn, show Dean as a typical young man, displaying the everyday insecurities and worries that someone, away from home for the first time, following their ambitions, would openly express to a trusted partner, albeit with a style and candour similar to the performances he would display on the big screen.
It is believed that Barbara Glenn was introduced to James Dean - whom she always referred to as 'Jimmy' - by their mutual close friend Martin Landau in the late 1940s/early 1950s in New York, where they were all young actors starting out and struggling together. Although she never discussed their romance within her family circle in great detail, it is known that Jimmy was her first serious, grown-up relationship. It was apparently very intense and involved numerous break-ups and reconciliations, but she often remained his confidant even during some of the 'off-again' times.
The following three letters are from a period when Dean was on the cusp of breaking Hollywood, written during his time on Broadway, and whilst filming 'East of Eden'. The letters written to his then girlfriend Barbara Glenn, show Dean as a typical young man, displaying the everyday insecurities and worries that someone, away from home for the first time, following their ambitions, would openly express to a trusted partner, albeit with a style and candour similar to the performances he would display on the big screen.
It is believed that Barbara Glenn was introduced to James Dean - whom she always referred to as 'Jimmy' - by their mutual close friend Martin Landau in the late 1940s/early 1950s in New York, where they were all young actors starting out and struggling together. Although she never discussed their romance within her family circle in great detail, it is known that Jimmy was her first serious, grown-up relationship. It was apparently very intense and involved numerous break-ups and reconciliations, but she often remained his confidant even during some of the 'off-again' times.
James Dean
Closed23 November 2011
Price Realised
GBP 7,500