Saturday Matinee: Julie Harris in East of Eden #book2movies

Julie Harris, born on this day, December 2, had a legendary stage career, winning 5 Tony awards, the first in 1952 for playing Sally Bowles in I Am a Camera based on the novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. Harris reprised the role on film in 1955, getting a BAFTA nom for Best Foreign Actress. I can’t find a forum for the film, but I did come across the trailer for you to check out.

1955 was the same year Harris played Abra opposite James Dean’s Cal in the classic East of Eden where he falls in love with his brother’s girl.

Let’s take a look at the ferris wheel scene where Cal blurts out—in his mumbly way—his love for Abra. It’s clear Abra is deeply conflicted about her own feelings as well as the sexual side of her nature—the bad girl—Cal awakens within her. 

You can stream East of Eden on Amazon, Vudu, YouTube, iTunes and GooglePlay. Let me know if you run across I Am a Camera, I’d love to see it.