D: Alfred L. Werker. Sal Mineo, James Whitmore, J. Carrol Naish, Paul Carr. OK drama of loner youth Mineo who takes pity on an escaped murderer.

D: Nicholas Ray. James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus, Ann Doran, William Hopper, Rochelle Hudson, Corey Allen, Edward Platt, Dennis Hopper, Nick Adams. This portrait of youthful alienation spoke to a whole generation and remains wrenchingly powerful, despite some dated elements. The yearning for self-esteem, the barrier to communication with parents, the comfort found in friendships, all beautifully realized by director Ray, screenwriter Stewart Stern, and a fine cast (far too many of whom met early ends). This was Dean's seminal performance and an equally impressive showcase for young Mineo. CinemaScope.

D: Michael Curtiz. Rosalind Russell, Jack Carson, Robert Hutton, Jean Sullivan, Alan Hale, Donald Woods, Ray Collins, Mona Freeman, Craig Stevens. Heartfelt biopic about spunky Louise Randall Pierson (Russell), her two very different husbands, and her plight through the ups and downs of the 20th century, all the way to WW2. Russell and Carson, as her easygoing husband number 2, are tops. Pierson scripted, based on her bestseller.

D: Vincent Sherman. Bette Davis, Miriam Hop kins, Gig Young, John Loder, Dolores Moran, Phillip Reed, Roscoe Karns, Anne Revere. Well-matched stars of THE OLD MAID are reunited as childhood friends who evolve personal and professional rivalry that lasts 20 years. Davis is noble and Hopkins is bitchy in this entertaining film. John Van Druten and Lenore Coffee scripted, from the former's play. Remade as RICH AND FAMOUS.