James Dean - Digitally Remastered. A legend in his own time! Premiering in 1976, this made-for-TV movie is a dramatization of the life of cinema icon James Dean as he rose to fame in the 1950s. Written by William Bast, who had roomed with Dean when they were both trying to make it as actors, the film features Stephen McHattie (A History of Violence, The Fountain) as the legendary but ultimately tragic rebel. Michael Brandon stars as Bast; Amy Irving, Brooke Adams and Meg Foster appear in supporting roles.