James Dean and Paul Newman try out for East of Eden (1955)
Elia Kazan directs this rather amazing screen test with Paul Newman and James Dean, both young, relaxed, and obviously at ease in front of the camera, despite Elia Kazan’s offscreen hectoring. Dean, toying with a switchblade knife through much of this test, which is in two sections, got the part, his first major screen role; Newman didn’t make the cut, for one reason or another.
My favorite exchange: Dean to Newman: “Kiss me.” Newman: “Can’t here.”
Click on the image above, or here, to see the test.
Tags: East of Eden, Elia Kazan, James Dean, Paul Newman
