Mann and Dean

I read with interest the obituary of Daniel Mann, the noted stage and screen director (Nov. 22). However, the obituary neglected to mention that, among his credits, Mann directed Andre Gide’s “The Immoralist” on Broadway.

James Dean was in this production. During rehearsals, the young rebel often clashed with Mann, a traditionalist who did not appreciate Dean’s constant experimenting with his role.

In one clash, Mann abruptly fired Dean, but the actor was reinstated after an Equity representative intervened.

After the play opened, Dean’s performance came to the attention of Elia Kazan, who then cast him in “East of Eden.” Had Mann not relented, Dean might not have gone on to electrify the screen, and influence a generation, with his three seminal film performances.

RONALD MARTINETTI

Glendale

The writer is author of “The James Dean Story.”