Cindy Costales, Senior Librarian Adult and Teen Services, welcomed everyone to this special event held in the Friends Room on July 26th. The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library in partnership with the Monterey Park Historical Society sponsored this special screening of James Dean’s groundbreaking 1950s drama.

She introduced Foster Hirsch, a Mark Keppel High School alumnus. Professor Hirsch is the author of sixteen books on theatre and movies. He received his B.A. from Stanford University and holds M.F.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University. He currently teaches at Brooklyn College. A collection of his books is available at the library.

Foster Hirsch said he was glad to be here. Monterey Park is his old hometown.  This is the 60th anniversary of this film. It is actor James Dean’s groundbreaking 1950s film drama that explored teen life and conflicts between generations. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Sal Mineo, Best Supporting Actress for Natalie Wood and Best Writing of a Motion Picture story for Nicholas Ray.

Professor Hirsch introduced this film classic with Dean starring as the rebellious Jim Stark. The film was the only time during Dean’s lifetime where he received top billing. He said this film has stood the test of time as his students still relate to the characters from the 1950s to their lives today.

He pointed out James Dean was a method actor. He also advised the audience to watch the parents’ responses to their teenage children and the teenagers’ responses to each other and their parents.

Professor Hirsch said Nicholas Ray used many symbolisms that were not openly discussed in the 1950s in this film.

He stated the all three actors: James Dean, Sal Mineo and Natalie Wood died tragically at a very young age.

James Dean was killed in a car accident on September 30, 1955. It was one month before the film was released.

Sal Mineo was killed in a robbery and Natalie Wood drowned.

Professor Hirsch took questions from the floor at the end of the screening.

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is the city’s public library located at 318 S. Ramona Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Library hours are Sundays 1-5 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays 12-9 p.m; Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more City of Monterey Park news and information, follow the library on Twitter @MontereyParkLib or visit the city website at www.MontereyPark.ca.gov.