Rebel without a cause (1955) filming locations
James Dean is recognized as one of the most famous actors of all time, and one could look no further than his performance as Jim Stark in the classic movie "Rebel Without A Cause” (1955, dir. Nicholas Ray) to see why he holds such a status. Here is what some of the filming locations from the movie look like today:
““You’re tearing me apart! You, you say one thing, and he says another, and then everybody changes back again!””
Drunken JIm
When Jim Stark drunkenly stumbles down the street and later plays with the clapping monkey toy, he is at the corner of N Sierra and N Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA. More specifically, he is in front of a mansion located at 7529 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
*These are private residences. Please do not trespass or disturb the homeowners/neighborhood.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
N Sierra and N Franklin Ave - Google Maps 2021
Police station
Many scenes of the movie, especially those at the beginning of the film, are set at a police station which is actually a building located on the backlot of Warner Bros. Studios at 3400 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, CA.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Jim and Judy’s neighborhood
The alley behind the homes of Jim and Judy is located on S. Citrus Ave., Los Angeles, CA (between S. Citrus Ave. and West 62nd St).
*These are private residences. Please do not trespass or disturb the homeowners/neighborhood.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Alley - Google Maps 2021
While waiting for Judy, her friends and boyfriend, Buzz, are seen parked on S. Citrus Ave, Los Angeles, CA (right outside the alley).
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
S. Citrus Ave - Google Maps 2021
Fun Fact! An actual part of the fence that was used for Jim Stark’s backyard in this film can be seen in the James Dean Gallery located at 425 N. Main St., Fairmount, IN (birthplace and childhood town of James Dean). Every year, the town hosts a James Dean Festival in which fans can visit and pay respect to the late actor.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Dawson High School
Dawson High School is actually Santa Monica High School located at 601 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA. The entrance that Jim uses to enter the school is located on Viking Way (blocked by a school fence).
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Santa Monica High School - Google Maps 2021
Griffith Observatory
Much of the film’s scenes, including the tense climax, were filmed at Griffith Observatory located at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA.
The scene where the class are watching a presentation about universal elements was filmed at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium in the Griffith Observatory (now modernized).
The knife fight between Jim and Buzz happens on a viewing balcony located behind the left side of the planetarium.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Griffith Observatory - Google Maps 2021
Fun Fact! If you visit Griffith Observatory, there is a James Dean statue located on the right side of the planetarium (outside) that you can go and visit!
Plato’s House
Plato’s house was actually filmed at a house located on the backlot of Warner Bros. Studios at 3400 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, CA.
Based on a Classics tour guide at Warner Bros., the house pictured below is the one that was used during filming.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Abandoned Mansion
When Jim, Judy, and Pluto run away to an abandoned mansion, they actually sought temporary refuge in the now demolished Getty Mansion that was once located at 641 S. Irving Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA.
Photo Credits:
Screenshots from “Rebel Without A Cause” (1955), Warner Bros. Studios
Fun Fact! In the past, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour had the costumes of Jim Stark and Judy on display in an interactive exhibit in Studio 48.
