JAMES DEAN | THE IMMORALIST [1954] Set of 2 theatre photos

New York: [1954]. Set of two vintage original black-and-white photos: one 10 x 8″ (25 x 20 cm), one 8 3/4 x 7 1/2″ (22 x 19 cm) and trimmed for publication. Both with photographer stamps on verso, just about fine.

Two extremely scarce vintage photos documenting James Dean on stage. The play was produced by Billy Rose and adapted by Ruth and Augustus Goetz. The original director was Herman Shumlin. A gay archaeologist marries, partly in hope of curbing his homosexual instincts. He is unable to consummate the marriage so the pair travel from Normandy to Algeria for a honeymoon, hoping that will kindle some romance. The husband is seduced by their Arab houseboy, but this allows him to sleep with his wife, who becomes pregnant.

Stars Louis Jourdan and Geraldine Page had very different approaches to acting, which resulted in a difficult rehearsal process. Dean’s behaviour was erratic as well. At the beginning of tryouts, Rose replaced Shumlin with Daniel Mann; he also wanted to fire Dean but Page insisted the actor stay.

“Dean was not very happy playing the young Arab,” recalled his friend Hal Hackady later. “He didn’t like the plot. I also believe he didn’t like playing a homosexual on Broadway. He felt uncomfortable.”

The Broadway production was initially slated to open on Monday, February 1, 1954, at the Royale Theatre (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre). However, due to last-minute script changes, opening was pushed to Monday, February 8, and previews began on February 1.

Elia Kazan saw the show during previews and offered Dean a role in East of Eden. On opening night, Dean announced he was leaving the show. He remained with the production through February 20, 1954. (Wikipedia)

One photo shows Dean with male lead Louis Jourdan, and one is of Dean in character.