September 30, 1955

September 30, 1955

Year: 1977

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: James Bridges

Drama

The day it all came apart… A young Southerner loses his grip on reality when his favorite movie star James Dean suddenly dies in a car crash.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – September 30, 1955 (1977)

Trace every key event in September 30, 1955 (1977) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jimmy J. Watches 'East of Eden'

On the evening of September 30, 1955, college student Jimmy J. watches the film 'East of Eden' alone at a theater in Conway, Arkansas. The film's themes and imagery deeply resonate with him, foreshadowing the events to come. This moment marks the start of his emotional journey connected to James Dean's death.

Evening of September 30, 1955 Conway, Arkansas
2

Learning about James Dean's Death

The next day at football practice, Jimmy J. learns from a radio DJ that James Dean was killed in a car accident in California. He rushes to the radio station, desperate for more details about the tragedy, feeling a personal connection to the actor’s death. This news shocks him and amplifies his grief over Dean’s passing.

Next day after September 30 Football field, Conway, Arkansas
3

Jimmy J. Invokes Dean's Spirit

Jimmy J. gathers his friends at a party by the Arkansas River, where he expresses his grief over Dean’s death. He then creates a mud sculpture of an Academy Award and conducts a séance, stripping to his underwear and covering himself in dirt to summon Dean's spirit, perceiving a dog barking as a sign.

Night of the party Arkansas River
4

Police Intervene

The police arrive at the gathering due to their disturbance, and the group quickly escapes back to town. Despite their efforts to continue the séance at Charlotte’s house, neighbors or authorities likely disapprove of their antics, which Jimmy J. perceives as a spiritual connection to Dean.

Later that night Town of Conway, Arkansas
5

Jimmy J. Returns to Dorm and Family Arrival

Jimmy J. returns to his dormitory surprised to find his mother, little brother Dickie, and aunt Ethel waiting to take him to a movie. His mother shows concern about his appearance and worries he is headed for failure, hinting at family struggles and his emotional turmoil.

Same night Dormitory, Conway, Arkansas
6

Jimmy J. Reconnects with Billie Jean

Jimmy J. calls Billie Jean Turner, a girl who admires James Dean and is dressed like Vampira. He invites her to a séance at Charlotte’s house, where she darkens the room, lights candles, and prepares to contact Dean's spirit using a Ouija board, feeling a strong presence only with Billie Jean nearby.

That evening Charlotte’s house
7

Vandalism and Billie Jean’s Injury

The group engages in rebellious behavior at a cemetery, causing chaos. During the police intervention, Billie Jean drops a candelabrum and her cape catches fire, resulting in severe burns. This traumatic event underscores her vulnerability and the danger of their actions.

Night of the séance Cemetery
8

Homecoming Parade and Confrontation

Three weeks later, Jimmy J. attends the homecoming parade on a motorcycle. He confronts Charlotte about their breakup, kisses her during the parade, and reconnects with friends like Hanley and Frank. The scene shows his ongoing struggle with love, loss, and belonging.

During the homecoming parade Town streets, Conway
9

Jimmy J. Visits Billie Jean

Jimmy J. visits Billie Jean, who has been hospitalized with bandages covering her burns. He confesses how he watched 'Rebel Without a Cause' multiple times, seeing parallels with his life and blaming himself for her injury. His visit is an emotional attempt to seek forgiveness.

Later in the story Billie Jean’s home
10

Billie Jean Speaks and Rejects Sanatorium

For the first time, Billie Jean speaks, begging Jimmy J. not to send her to a sanitorium and asking him to break her mirrors, so she doesn’t see her scars. Her mother, Melba Lou, becomes angry upon hearing Billie Jean's plea, highlighting the family's struggles and her mental state.

After Jimmy J.’s visit Billie Jean’s home
11

Jimmy J. Watches Charlotte as Queen

Jimmy J. observes Charlotte being crowned football queen during the homecoming game from afar. He then rides off on his motorcycle, symbolizing his ongoing inner conflict and decision to leave town, yet still longing for connection.

During the homecoming game Football field, Conway
12

Final Departure to California

Jimmy J., feeling lost and burdened by grief, heads to California on his motorcycle. He is driven by the desire to visit the place where James Dean died, seeking to find closure and perhaps understand his own identity better.

End of the story Conway to California

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:15

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September 30, 1955 Summary

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September 30, 1955 Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in September 30, 1955

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September 30, 1955 Spoiler-Free Summary

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