James Dean (1976 film) explained

Director:	Robert Butler
Starring:	Stephen McHattie Michael Brandon Brooke Adams Candy Clark Amy Irving Katherine Helmond Meg Foster Dane Clark Jayne Meadows Heather Menzies
Music:	Billy Goldenberg
Country:	United States
Language:	English

James Dean (also known as James Dean: Portrait of a Friend) is a 1976 NBC television film about actor James Dean and starring Stephen McHattie in the title role.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

The role of screenwriter William Bast, Dean's best friend, is played by Michael Brandon. This portrayal is based on the 1956 biography by Bast,^[5] which recounts the early acting career and rise of Dean. The film paints a clear picture of James Dean's pursuit for authenticity, depth and artistic meaning. Bast claimed that Dean's inspiration as an actor was inspired by what he learned from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's 1943 novella The Little Prince.

Notes and References

1. Web site: William Bast dies at 84; screenwriter co-created 'The Colbys'. Colker, David. May 10, 2015. Los Angeles Times.
2. News: The Incredible Sulk: TNT's 'James Dean'. The Washington Post. Tom Shales. Shales, Tom. August 5, 2001.
3. Web site: September 30, 2015. James Dean: After 60 Years, Still the Coolest Icon of Teen Angst. Gray, Tim. Variety.
4. February 14, 1976. TV Guide. "James Dean" World Premiere!.
5. Web site: William Bast, Writer for TV Who Penned James Dean Bios, Dies at 84. Dagan, Carmel. May 7, 2015. Variety.