James Dean lived fast and short, but intensely. He died very young, at just 24, and he had time to emerge as a true Hollywood movie star. He became the icon of a generation because of his leading role in “Rebel Without a Cause” or “Giant”, but it was in an accident in his iconic Porsche where the interpreter lost his life instantly. Now, the gadgets that Dean amassed throughout his short but intense life are going up for sale, some of the actor’s largest personal collection. Nate D. Sanders Auctions announced Wednesday that it will put up for sale nearly 400 personal items of James Dean, including contracts, photographs, letters and identifications. ,This is the most comprehensive and intimate offering of James Dean memorabilia ever put up for auction. It covers three pivotal years in Dean’s life as he transitioned from an actor to a movie star,” the Los Angeles-based auction house wrote on its official website.
The objects come from the personal collection of the actor’s representative, Jane Deasy, with whom he maintained a strong emotional bond and unconditional support and whom he considered a second mother. The lot is made up of, among other things, the original contract between Dean and Warner Bros., with whom he made Films “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955), “East of Eden” (1955) or “Giant” (1956)for which bidding starts at $3,000.
The lot also includes the motorcycle registration card he received days after purchasing the 1953 Indian Chief, whose prime offer starts at $100, as well as a photo of her signed by Deci with the inscription “Mom”, which fetches 7,500. Starts selling it with dollars. , with this, The collection also includes two handwritten letters by the actor in which he describes the intimate moments of his life. In them, he describes to Dessie the anxiety caused by the filming of the movie “East of Eden”, details his difficult relationship with his family, and insecurities about his physique, such as his two false front teeth, As well as his decision to quit smoking and drinking.
Other items included in the auction include some awards given to the actor, an envelope containing the keys to his New York apartment, his card as a temporary member of the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, as well as telegrams and photographs. The auction will be online and will end on May 25.
