Rebel Males: Clift, Brando and Dean by Graham McCann

Rebel Males: Clift, Brando and Dean by Graham McCann is a compelling study of three actors who transformed the image of the Hollywood leading man during the post-war era: Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando and James Dean. First published by Hamish Hamilton in 1991, this fascinating work examines not only their remarkable film careers but also the broader cultural changes that helped make these three performers enduring symbols of rebellion, individuality and a new form of masculinity.

Rebel Males places Clift, Brando and Dean within the social and cultural landscape of 1950s America, a period often associated with conformity but simultaneously experiencing profound changes in attitudes towards youth, sexuality, politics and personal identity. Each actor challenged the polished, conventional Hollywood male ideal. Their emotionally intense performances, unconventional personalities and often troubled private lives helped create a new kind of screen hero: vulnerable, rebellious and psychologically complex.

Rebel Males considers their acting styles, careers, public images and influence while exploring how their lives reflected many of the tensions within post-war American society. Films associated with these actors, including Rebel Without a Cause, On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire and East of Eden, helped establish an enduring cinematic image of the outsider and anti-hero.

Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and supported by a bibliography and index, Rebel Males is an engaging addition to collections devoted to classic Hollywood, film history, acting, popular culture and twentieth-century celebrity. This 1991 Hamish Hamilton first edition is particularly appealing for collectors of books concerning James Dean, Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift.

Condition – Very Good

Clean, well-preserved hardcover with firm binding and bright spine lettering. Light foxing/spotting to the page edges. Dust jacket is complete and attractive with minor shelf wear, light rubbing, slight edge creasing and wear at the corners and spine ends. Internally clean and well preserved.