Long before cable TV, the internet and social media, the country didn't get the news until the next day, that is unless they were sitting next to their radio or had a neighbor rushing over to tell someone who was home to turn on their radio, or in the case of JFK, shocked by the interruption of "As the World Turns". Nowadays, you can see news change in a flash by walking down the street as swirling signs flash world events including the announcements of celebrity deaths or someone screaming it out on the street in shock reading their phone.

Richard Thomas, seen in the opening moments watching "East of Eden" come to its heart wrenching conclusion, finds out while at football practice about the death of his idol, overhearing someone's transistor radio announcing it. His girlfriend Lisa Blount and friends Tom Hulce, Dennis Christopher and Deborah Benson decide to give him a proper memorial and later decide to have a seance. Their actions gets them into all sorts of mischief, and ends up being a turning point for them to grow up.

Not the classic that I was expecting it to be, I thought it rather weird in spots which spoiled the nostalgia involved. Thomas is a fabulous actor, but his character's declaration of having so much in common with the cult star of only three movies (and several bit parts) just struck me as odd. Written and directed by James Bridges, this seems like a passion project that strived too hard to be poignant and avant garde. Still the atmosphere for the time setting is excellent, although Richard Thomas in Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause" didn't tear me apart. Not a misfire, but for what seems like it should be a cult classic deservedly did not become one.

I revisited this period piece last night, about a bunch of rebellious Arkansas Students on the night the Actor James Dean died in a Car Crash. Led by a strong performance from Richard Thomas (THE WALTONS) and a Cast filled with up and coming Actors most of which are still working today. Many of you out there are in your 50s 60s or 70s and I think might like to watch this Movie too ? Also encourage you to visit James Dean s IMDB page, which is loaded with information about his Life and Times. I drive by the sight of his car accident often, just outside of Paso Robles CA. Movie is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime. Emotional Film ! Directed by James Bridges.

Richard Thomas of 'Waltons' fame stars here as Jimmy J., an Arkansas undergrad in the 1950s who idolizes rising film star James Dean. He feels a kinship with the young actor, thinking that their lives have mirrored each others'. When he learns of Deans' death, he goes a little crazy, dragging his friends into assorted escapades that ultimately have a sad result.

Written and directed by James Bridges ("The China Syndrome"), this little period piece seems to be somewhat forgotten nowadays. It's not always terribly compelling or interesting, but it's still worthy of some respect, considering the way that it examines the fascination that some people feel for movie stars. Dean in particular had an iconic presence that resonated with a generation; it's not hard to believe that his passing was deeply felt by people like Jimmy J.

A mixture of comedy and drama, "September 30, 1955" is sometimes amusing and sometimes poignant, leaving us with one memorable showcase speech for Thomas, and the idea that life is not really "like a movie" as some folks might think.

The period recreation is pretty good, and the film benefits from a touching score by Leonard Rosenman, who had scored the Dean vehicles "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause" once upon a time. But the main reason to watch is the talented, engaging young cast, some of them making their feature-film debuts. Thomas is wonderful, and his supporting actors make for an endearing ensemble: Deborah Benson (leading lady in the superior slasher "Just Before Dawn") as Jimmy J.'s girlfriend, Lisa Blount ("Prince of Darkness") as the fellow free spirit and Dean devotee, Thomas Hulce ("Amadeus") as the roommate, Dennis Christopher ("Breaking Away") as the sidekick, and Dennis Quaid as the jock. Collin Wilcox Paxton ("To Kill a Mockingbird") plays Jimmy J.'s mother, and Susan Tyrrell ("Forbidden Zone") plays Billie Jean's mom.

A semi-autobiographical tale for Bridges, who grew up in Paris, Arkansas himself.

Seven out of 10.