Lot 1059: James Dean

James Dean
American actor (1931-1955) best known for his star turns in three 1950s screen classics: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. His untimely death in a high-speed car crash came to represent the very embodiment of the 'live fast, die young' philosophy-and elevated him to the status of a legend that remains unique in the annals of Hollywood. Rare and highly desirable bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Dean, payable to Lee Diamond Co. for $131.00, September 22, 1954. In fine condition, with expected bank stamps and cancellation holes, a couple lightly affecting first stroke of the signature. Dean was in Hollywood around this time finishing work as Cal Trask, the troubled son of a wealthy businessman, in the film East of Eden. This very month, Eden director Elia Kazan wound up screening a rough cut of his film for colleague Nicholas Ray, director of Rebel Without a Cause, who was so impressed by Dean's on-screen presence that he offered the star the famed role. Just slightly more than a year to the day after this jewelry store visit, Dean was killed in his Porsche 550 Spyder.