The movie “September 30, 1955,” released in 1977, follows the story of Jimmy, a university student from Arkansas, who is devastated by the death of his idol, James Dean. This piece will take you through the interesting facts, shooting location and behind-the-scenes trivia about this drama. Directed by James Bridges, and featuring Richard Thomas, Susan Tyrrell, and Deborah Benson in lead roles, it is known for its intriguing storyline and strong performances.
Where it Filmed?
“September 30, 1955” was primarily filmed in Conway, Arkansas, USA. Important scenes were shot at the University of Central Arkansas and the Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway. The filming took place across two schedules: the first phase ran from March 30, 1976, to April 6, 1976, and the second phase from September 14, 1976, to November 1976.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Richard Thomas | Jimmy J. |
| Susan Tyrrell | Melba Lou |
| Deborah Benson | Charlotte |
| Lisa Blount | Billie Jean |
| Dennis Quaid | Frank |
| Mary Kai Clark | Pat |
| Dennis Christopher | Eugene |
| Ben Fuhrman | Coach Haynes |
| Tom Bonner | Radio Announcer |
| Glen Irby | Band Director |
| Bryan Scott | Dickie |
| Bush Satterfield | Charlotte’s Father |
| Katherine Satterfield | Charlotte’s Mother |
| Betty Harford | Nurse |
| Ouida White | Aunt Ethel |
| James Dombek | Mr. Brown |
| Belynda Dix | Girl in Car |
| Melody Hamilton | Girl with Corsage |
| Ray Hemphill | Young Man in Truck |
| John Pearce | T.V. Man |
| Pete Boggs | Mr. Phillips |
| Mark C Thomas | Boy with Radio |
| Paula Sanford | Girl with Radio |
| Freeman Mobley | Liquor Store Owner |
| Charles McCrary | Midnight |
| George Johnson | Midnight’s Friend |
| Neal Moore | Drunk Boy in Dorm |
| Mark D. Andrews | Boy in Dorm |
| Ron Campbell | Boy at Liquor Store |
| Brian Brandt | B.O. |
Trivia and Facts
- In a homecoming parade scene, Richard Thomas, who played Jimmy, broke his leg while filming. He was driving a motorcycle underneath a parade float.
- The movie features “East of Eden” from 1955 in a key scene.
- One of the interesting quotes from the movie was during a line when Jimmy and Frank were having a ‘picnic’ and got accused of trespassing. Jimmy convinced Mr. Phillips they were not trespassing by offering him a cold beer.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Conway, Arkansas, USA
- Latitude: 35.0917506
- Longitude: -92.4366522
- Place ID: ChIJmSL6xEJizYcRDaBloxhcbcE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Conway, AR, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
- Location Name: University of Central Arkansas – 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway, Arkansas, USA
- Latitude: 35.0780939
- Longitude: -92.4578916
- Place ID: ChIJzeRo93SC0ocRsljNAs_321w
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
- Location Name: Oak Grove Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas, USA
- Latitude: 35.0795141
- Longitude: -92.42894179999999
- Place ID: ChIJ5ZWMOEiC0ocRlLHDI6D33Wk
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 305 Bruce St, Conway, AR 72032, USA
- Timezone: America/Chicago
