Jimmy & Gran

East of Eden (1955) was my introduction to James Dean, and I've always had a special fondness for the film. There is something so real about Dean's performance as the tormented Cal that his anguish seems to practically leap from the screen. This screen test, less than a minute long and without audio, gives viewers a glimpse of the actor's talent and his amazing screen presence. For me what makes this test special is the actress with him, Lois Smith, who made her screen debut in the film in the role of Anne. Some of you may know her better as Adele "Gran" Stackhouse on True Blood, the wise grandmother to Sookie and Jason. Jimmy and Gran—what a combo.