About this episode

This episode explores the life and legacy of James Dean, focusing on the circumstances of his death and the myths that arose around it.

James Dean died in a high speed car crash at the age of 24, but his legend lives on. Fan clubs held monthly memorial services and wrote movie studios begging for relics of their patron saint. Professional illusionists swore they could resurrect his body. Rumors that Dean survived the deadly crash were spurred on, and in some cases planted, by a film studio with a financial stake in keeping his memory alive. The car that killed him had a grisly afterlife of its own, taking two more lives before mysteriously disappearing forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics covered

• James Dean
• car crash
• celebrity culture
• mythology
• publicity stunts
• haunted objects

Keywords

• James Dean
• car crash
• legend
• memorial services
• film studio
• haunted car
• publicity stunt

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: film studio

Products: car

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