Rebel Without a Cause

Act One

Late evening, a dark street. An older man is walking along, whistling and carrying some packages. Suddenly, Buzz approaches, asking for a cigarette. As the man nervously complies, Buzz’s gang (Moose, Goon, Crunch, Helen, and Millie) emerge from the shadows. Buzz offers to light the cigarette--but violently punches the man as he leans in. The rest of the gang pounces, and the lights go out.

The lights come up on an empty stage. Jim Stark wanders in, and sees the packages strewn on the ground. He begins to pick one up. Police sirens wail, and the lights go out.

At the police station, juvenile officer Ray and Officer Mullen survey the troubled teens that have been brought in: Jim, Judy, and Plato (accompanied by Mrs. Davis). Ray first brings Judy into his office; she was picked up while wandering the streets late at night. Ray coaxes her into talking. Judy confesses that she left the house because her father was upset at her dress and makeup, and called her a dirty tramp. Ray is