Rebel Without a Cause
at Griffith Observatory
This fall, the 1955 classic reunites with its co-star, Griffith Observatory, for two evenings under the stars.
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ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
In 1955, Rebel Without a Cause made James Dean an icon and gave Griffith Observatory its first-ever starring role, playing itself.
We celebrated this legacy last year, when the Observatory marked its 90th anniversary and the film marked its 70th, with two sold-out screenings. Now, two more evenings with the film await this fall.
Enjoy introductions to the film and conversations with
- Dr. E.C. Krupp, Observatory Director
- Mark Pine, Observatory Deputy Director
- Kara Knack, Foundation Board President Emerita
Be sure to pose for photo opportunities at iconic filming locations, and explore Griffith Observatory’s exhibits, telescopes, and panoramic views after-hours.
Film Runtime: 1h 51m | Rated: PG-13
ADMISSION
- General Admission – $50
- Foundation Members – $45
Foundation members enjoy pre-sale access to tickets and discounted rates. Become a member today to access these and other benefits and get your tickets now, or sign up for email newsletters from Griffith Observatory Foundation to receive news and updates about future events and programs.
Every purchase benefits Griffith Observatory Foundation, the nonprofit supporting Griffith Observatory.
The History of Rebel Without a Cause and Griffith Observatory
High above Hollywood and its starry Walk of Fame and sharing the Hollywood Hills with the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory has been in the movies from the beginning, even before it opened to the public in 1935.
The Observatory played many roles in its first decades, but it was not cast as itself until it co-starred with movie icon James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause in 1955.
According to Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp, writing in the spring, 2017 FOTO Newsletter, “The Observatory’s cosmic vocation was a key symbolic driver of the movie’s theme, and the film even included a sequence in a planetarium show. That’s why we have a Rebel Without a Cause Monument, with a bust of James Dean and a perfect view of the Hollywood Sign, on the west side of the hilltop.”
Help Keep the Story of the Stars Alive
In Rebel Without a Cause, a field trip to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium sets Jim, Judy, and Plato on the path to the story’s dramatic conclusion.
This year marks 20 years since the Planetarium reopened following Griffith Observatory’s major renovation. Since then, it’s welcomed more than six million visitors, and now hosts nearly 350,000 guests a year.
Under the 75-foot dome, trained presenters guide audiences through live tours of the night sky. Most planetariums have replaced their presenters with pre-recorded shows. Griffith Observatory hasn’t. It believes in people telling the story of the stars to other people.
If you’ve ever been moved by a Samuel Oschin Planetarium show, consider making a gift to Griffith Observatory Foundation today. Every contribution—no matter the size—matters.
Thank you to our Event Sponsor Lagerlof, LLP for helping to make this celebration possible.