East of Eden (film) Although set in early 20th century Monterey, California, much of the film was actually shot on location in Mendocino, California. Some scenes were filmed in the Salinas Valley. Of the three films in which James Dean played the male lead, this is the only one to have been released during his lifetime and the only one Dean personally viewed in its entirety. The film, along with "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant", has been named by the American Film Institute as one of the best 400 American films of all time. In 2016, the film was selected for preservation in
United States in the 1950s Rock and Roll revolution by featuring Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around the Clock" over the opening credits. Screenings of the film occasionally led to teen violence and vandalism, and, for some, the film marks the start of visible teen rebellion in the 20th century. "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) thrust its angst-ridden star James Dean to international stardom, and, unlike "Blackboard Jungle", told its story from the viewpoint of its teen characters, another James Dean film "East of Eden" (1955) showcased his extraordinary talent as an actor. "Gidget" (1959) set off a wave of light-hearted teen beach party