Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The James Dean Story

The James Dean Story

Seen it?

1957 | 81 min | Documentary

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Aimed squarely at people who love a true story told well. You'll come away knowing something you didn't.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 1 hr 21 min. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1957: an older pace and style.
  • Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

Released two years after James Dean's death, this documentary chronicles his short life and career via black-and-white still photographs, interviews with the aunt and uncle who raised him, his paternal grandparents, a New York City cabdriver friend, the owner of his favorite Los Angeles restaurant, outtakes from East of Eden, footage of the opening night of Giant, and Dean's ironic PSA for safe driving.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 7K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Altman, George W. George

  • James DeanSelf (archive footage)
  • Martin GabelNarrator
  • Lew BrackerSelf
  • Marvin CarterSelf
  • Patsy D'AmoreSelf
  • Charles DeanSelf
  • Emma DeanSelf
  • Louis de LisoSelf
  • Arlene MartelSelf
  • Lili KardellSelf