 The film, however, does not make any references to Lindner's book in any way.Warner Bros. released the film on October 27, 1955, almost a month after Dean's death in a car accident on September 30, 1955.Over the years, the film has achieved landmark status for the acting of cultural icon Dean, fresh from his Oscar nominated role in "East of Eden" and who died before the film's release, in his most celebrated role.