Behind the scenes: Rebel without a Cause

In pictures

Nine rare shots of James Dean behind the wheel, lounging on set and wielding a knife during production of the all-time great teen film, Rebel without a Cause.

Lights, camera and action on a night-time shoot for Rebel without a Cause (1955), with James Dean taking his place behind the wheel as outsider teen Jim Stark
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Stars Natalie Wood and James Dean, in that unforgettable red jacket, hear from director Nicholas Ray in a quiet moment between filming
James Dean and Corey Allen (as troublemaker Buzz Gunderson) film the thrilling knife-fight scene on the terrace of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
The two tragic stars of Rebel without a Cause – Dean and Natalie Wood – share a moment between takes. Dean died in a car crash in 1955, one month before the film was released; he was 24. Wood drowned in 1981, aged 43.
A script read-through with (left to right) director Nicholas Ray and stars Sal Mineo, Natalie Wood and James Dean
Between takes, Dean slouches in his chair with his on-screen parents Jim Backus and Ann Doran (who play Mr and Mrs Stark) and a cast of cops at Griffith Observatory
Breakfast with a view over Los Angeles, with actors James Dean and Jim Backus
Milking the moment: director Nicholas Ray checks his viewfinder before filming a turbulent moment between James Dean and Natalie Wood
An on-location cigarette and a chat between Nicholas Ray and James Dean
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