Classic Hollywood: ‘The Lost Television Legacy’ looks at James Dean’s early work on TV

Before James Dean starred in his three classic films — “East of Eden” and “Rebel Without a Cause” (both from 1955) and “Giant” (1956) — the actor honed his craft on live television. TCM’s new DVD set, “James Dean: The Lost Television Legacy,” features 19 episodes from various series, commercials and other clips of the actor, who died at age 24 on Sept. 30, 1955. Among the programs included are 1951’s “Family Theater” drama “Hill Number One”; the 1952 “Lux Video Theater” presentation “The Foggy, Foggy Dew”; the 1953 “Kraft Television Theatre” drama “A Long Time Till Dawn,” penned by Rod Serling; and 1954’s “The United States Steel Hour” drama “The Thief.”