East of Eden
Seen it?1955 | 115 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won an Oscar, people are still talking about it and it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved A Streetcar Named Desire, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
In the Salinas Valley in and around World War I, Cal Trask feels he must compete against overwhelming odds with his brother for the love of their father. Cal is frustrated at every turn, from his reaction to the war, how to get ahead in business and in life, and how to relate to his estranged mother.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Dramatic Film. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 2 BAFTAs and 1 more Cannes award. Plus 9 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$5 million worldwide on a $0K budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 315K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Elia Kazan
- James DeanCal Trask
- Julie HarrisAbra Bacon
- Raymond MasseyAdam Trask
- Richard DavalosAron Trask
- Jo Van FleetKate Trask
- Burl IvesSam the Sheriff
- Albert DekkerWill Hamilton
- Lois SmithAnne
- Harold GordonGustav Albrecht
- Nick DennisRantani