Wealthy rancher Bick Benedict and dirt-poor cowboy Jett Rink both woo Leslie Lynnton, a beautiful young woman from Maryland who is new to Texas. She marries Benedict, but she is shocked by the racial bigotry of the White Texans against the local people of Mexican descent. Rink discovers oil on a small plot of land, and while he uses his vast, new wealth to buy all the land surrounding the Benedict ranch, the Benedict's disagreement over prejudice fuels conflict that runs across generations.
Acting
James Dean's last performance, all twitchy genius.
Cinematography
Texas never looked so vast or so cruel.
Direction
Stevens turned soap into genuine American tragedy.
Director
George Stevens
Elizabeth Taylor
Leslie Lynnton Benedict
Rock Hudson
Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr.
James Dean
Jett Rink
Carroll Baker
Luz Benedict II
Jane Withers
Vashti Synthe
Chill Wills
Uncle Bawley
Mercedes McCambridge
Luz Benedict
Dennis Hopper
Jordan "Jordy" Benedict III
Sal Mineo
Angel Obregón II
Rod Taylor
Sir David Karfrey
Judith Evelyn
Mrs. Nancy Lynnton
Earl Holliman
'Bob' Dace
Robert Nichols
Mort 'Pinky' Snythe
Paul Fix
Dr. Horace Lynnton
Alexander Scourby
Old Polo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
James Dean died in a car crash before filming finished; his remaining scenes use a body double shot from behind.
The 'Sarge' diner brawl was so raw that audiences in 1956 reportedly gasped—rare for a prestige picture.
US
