September 30, 1955: the day James Dean died. The story follows the effect Dean's death has on a circle of friends in a small Arkansas town. Their leader is Jimmy J., a college undergrad who, like his cinematic hero, feels alienated and misunderstood. At the news of Dean's death, Jimmy J. gathers his friends, including fellow spirit Billie Jean, girlfriend Charlotte, roomate Hanley, sidekick Eugene and jock Frank, for an emotional vigil. What begins, however, as a soul-searching assemblage gives way to youthful revelry, drinking binges, police chases, midnight seances, graveyard mischief and ultimately, tragedy.
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