Road to Salinas - James Dean's Last Drive to Death in Cholame, CA - Scott Michaels Dearly Departed

[@freebird4863]

I’m so impressed with your passion and vast knowledge about Hollywood and celebrities. Thank you for sharing your info and fabulous stories. You are the best at what you do.

[@minimonkeyman2139]

Scott I love the way this episode is produced to be a really engaging t.v.style programme. I like the music, the filming and I love the structure with the ‘coming up’ and voice over parts. You’re an engaging storyteller and in my opinion this style suits you and your team’s talents really well. Thanks again for such a respectful tribute to James Dean.

[@kimsullivan5576]

'He was too fast to live, too young to die" The Eagles. RIP, James Dean. Your legend continues to live on, forever.

[@samanthab1923]

Love ❤️ that song!

[@kimsullivan5576]

My only complaint is that the song is too short.

[@ShotgunNShacK]

​@@kimsullivan5576Blowin' and burnin', blinded by thirst They didn't see the stop sign, took a turn for the worse. listen baby, you can hear the engine ring We've been up and down this highway, haven't seen a goddam thing He said, call the doctor, I think I'm gonna crash The doctor say he's comin', but you gotta pay him cash They went rushin' down that freeway, messed around and got lost They didn't care, they were just dyin' to get off.

[@kimsullivan5576]

@@ShotgunNShacK Life In The Fast Lane. Absolutely!

[@OtelliSandrina]

There's also "James" by Duffo!

[@thebewitchinghour831]

Rolf Wutherich was killed July 22, 1981 in a drunk driving accident in Germany after suffering from depression, mental issues and personal issues due to the Dean accident. He turned to alcohol shortly after the accident. Love watching your channel. So much information. Keep them coming!

[@kashesan]

So haunting to imagine him at these places. Thank you for these intriguing videos.

[@jgatkinson744]

If he would’ve been driving the speed limit and Following traffic rules on a state highway he would not have died

[@cynthiahusband106]

Scott love your show , your so detailed about every inch of the subject at hand, in this case the tragic horrific death of , I think the 1st “superstar” James Dean , thank you for caring so much and giving it your all like I said LOVE your show. RIP Jimmy your still very much loved !!!!!

[@ShotgunNShacK]

​@@jgatkinson744I think that's already a pretty well known, established fact. People have known this for decades bud. Day late and dollar short with your tidbit of info concerning people who drive reckless and crash, end up dead.

[@samanthahillburhop581]

Between James Dean and Buddy Holly's death, my mom grieved for both of them. I'm sure she's riding around with Jimmy with Buddy in the backseat singing to them.

[@samanthab1923]

Both died before I was born but as a kid I saw Giant & in HS saw the Gary Busey movie. Just feel in love with both.

[@spic0li]

Best thing about Scott is he always tells you little tid-bits about stuff you might never have known about through normal media channels.

[@hcombs0104]

At the exact time of James Dean's death, the general public had only seen East of Eden, released in February. Rebel and Giant were posthumously released. In other words people really couldn't have been that familiar with him on that day in 1955.

[@organboi]

That is pretty much true. BUT East of Eden did make him a star that Hollywood and the entire industry had plans to make a huge superstar. Anyone knowing anything about films knew about this new amazing good looking actor. Some papers ran the story as the top one. Others didn't. But it did make front page of course. What must have been so shocking is that he had completed two other masterful films most of the world did not know were coming. Both were big hits too. And Rebel cemented a legacy. He got an Oscar nomination for EoE and Giant. As you likely know.

[@cathymurray4039]

We did the Manson tour with you in LA around 4 years ago. We loved it and hope to catch more tours if we get back to LA. I’m so happy that you are on u-tube. Y’all are the best!

[@pennypaige8864]

His shop closed due to covid

[@Brace67]

Let’s try that again. As luck and some planning would have it I was at the intersection of Hwy 46 (It was 466 in 1955), and 41 for the 50th anniversary of the tragedy. The event drew quite a few people including the CA Highway Patrol officer who ticketed James Dean for speeding and was later called to the accident scene. A local TV crew was also there and a James Dean lookalike who had the mannerisms and looks down perfectly, even to the red jacket from “Rebel”. He was in a Porsche 550 reproduction and everyone, myself included, wanted to get their photo taken with him. He was good. Another guy had a perfect 550 Spyder reproduction and drove it across the country just so he could follow James Dean’s final route and cross the intersection with other cars at approximately 5:45 pm, just as dusk was falling. I and many others stood at the intersection and watched the drive-by. A great talent was lost that day, September 30,1955, and I was there 50 years later. I remember well when he died and it was something many of us who were young then couldn’t bring ourselves to fully accept. He was our young rebel hero.

[@organboi]

What an awful day. Age 24. Megastar in the making. Gone. Game over. NEXT!

[@9Ballr]

Excellent video. Two points I wanted to clarify. James Dean was still alive after the accident, which occurred at around 5:45. The CHP said they got there about 30 minutes after the accident, and Dean was being put into the ambulance, still alive. He was pronounced DOA at the hospital. That intersection has changed since the accident. The lane you see coming from the opposite direction near the fence did not exist at the time, so Dean's car in all likelihood did not end up where the memorial is, but closer to the island you see now in the intersection. I think the fence and pole where his car ended up would have been near where that island is now.

[@RG-5834]

A truly fascinating and at the same time, tragic recount of James Dean’s final hours on planet Earth. You are an expert storyteller, and really know how to place us at these iconic locations. Keep up the great work Scott, love your channel!

[@mynameisvna]

This was great! I love anything James Dean

[@danroybal3975]

This Is Overwhelming. Mr Scott Did A Good Job On A Very Sad Event. Everything Was So Interesting Damn Good Info

[@simplymeconnie4003]

As a huge fan of all history, I LOVE your channel. Thank you for continuing on even though you no longer have the museum!

[@jenniferjimenez677]

It's nice how Scott does little sweet things, like bring flowers. Or if he visits a grave he'll tidy it up if it needs it.

[@riamazzarone3707]

Thanks Scott! I have been obsessed with James Dean, Manson murders, and all dark history, especially of Hollywood! I love seeing the hot spots as they are today! So awesome! You are a kindred soul! So thankful for you! ❤️

[@winterramos4527]

Have you seen "Once Upon a time in Hollywood" Ria?

[@riamazzarone3707]

@@winterramos4527 yes, many times, lol

[@winterramos4527]

@@riamazzarone3707 you're a woman with intelligence 🔥. The best film I've seen in a long while. Check out "The Green Knight"

[@lorih2924]

Fantastic job as always. James Deen. One of a kind. Thank you for sharing the timeline path and stops he made that last day of his life. He will never be forgotten. Appreciate all the hard work you do . RIP James Deen

[@thegailyreview245]

Have you ever gone to the apartments where Sal Mineo was murdered? I went years ago saw the parking spot he was murdered in and the outside door of the apartment he lived in..very interesting

[@anneraso5621]

What apartment number was he in?

[@Tracey..H]

Man nobody has done an in depth sal video. I asked all the celebrity death hags video folks

[@pherber222]

@@Tracey..H Here you go!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJK4iK2abseHabM

[@organboi]

And of course Natalie Wood dies young too. In an unnatural manner. Was there a curse back then? Maybe.

[@jonesy2111]

What an excellent presentation.... I feel like I have seen another important part of Hollywood history

[@brownfourtown]

Scott, nice to see you capitalizing on on this form of media. You obviously have time and energy into a good quality product. Keep up the good work.

[@wholderby]

Always LOVE seeing your videos and podcasts in the feed! Great work as usual - thanks so much for brightening our days :)

[@idreamofjonny5492]

Hey Scott! Great video! When I was 16 I drove up there in 1986 from West Covina In my 71 Porsche 914 and drove along the actual Highway 99 the one he drove on , off of Templin Highway exit. And walked the old stretch of road over the pass before the accident. The hospital where he was taken to is gone but the funeral home in Paso Robles looks exactly the way it did in 1955. Also, old highway 33 (that Dean actually drive on) is where they filmed most the scenes with Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise. And Rolf’s name is pronounced “Vee-ter-ick” my German friend has the same last name. I will get out to Hollywood and take your tour! Look forward to meeting you! Keep up the great work! A great book to read is “A trip to Salinas” by Lee Raskin. Great photos and detail!

[@mjj1434]

@dreamofjonny5492 - Ironical, since Brad Pitt’s character was “JD” in “Thelma and Louise”. I always thought he could have played James Dean’s son in something.

[@rodneyanonymous666]

You’re tearing me apppaaarrrrttt!

[@Corolrose1218]

😂 Love it!

[@nickdrago9416]

“That doesn’t matter, not when it comes to James Dean”. Thank you for that. Very nice video. Respectful.

[@Bennifm]

James Dean. *sigghhh* They don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@FRANCESGUM]

Say it again!

[@johnm1414]

Just imagine if Dean had not been stopped for speeding, he would have been well past the intersection where the accident happened. And would have probably lived a long life. RIP

[@carolyneasley8980]

Honestly I get the impression that he would have eventually taken his own life at some point in his career. Just a vibe🤷

[@johnm1414]

@@carolyneasley8980 You may be right Carolyn. James Dean did seem to have a wild, reckless quality to him. Guess we'll never know.

[@davidharris7235]

We can blame the cop who stopped him...lol

[@spitfire3984]

I feel like we all have a designated time to leave our earthly body. Just MY OPINION. He loved fast and died young. RIP James

[@jamest681]

That's just how things happen. In most accidents, there is a series of events which need have have occurred for the accident to have taken place. Something would need to have intervened in order for the accident not to have occurred. Nothing intervened unfortunately. Yes, you are right. But life is strange. He may have driven past the intersection but could have died in the race. Or he could have lived to a ripe old age.

[@victoriamcmillin3348]

Omg I hope you do more videos like this I just wish the videos were longer cause I could watch you all day

[@passionforlust]

Thanks again Scott, great history and a person who should always be remembered. Cheers and have a great week!

[@wednesdayaddams9689]

Thank you so much for posting the locations where Jimmy was. I enjoyed going to your last tour last year on September. I am sad because it reminds that my friend Jessica is no longer with us. That’s the last time I ever saw her when I went to the tour with her. It was her dream to visit Jimmy to see the last places he has been before his untimely death.

[@joygrace7924]

Thank you for being so respectful. Was it Sir Alec Guinness who looked at the Porsche Spyder and said it looked evil?

[@plymouthduster225]

yes it was.

[@shawntaylor5468]

This just couldn’t have been any better. Well done.

[@lotstodo]

This was so well done. Thank you. You are the best at what you do.

[@Ease54]

So strange to think how every little event that altered their itinerary put them at that fateful intersection at the exact moment of impact. No apple and coke ...no crash.

[@kimberlydelucca9419]

I can’t get enough of your knowledge. I could listen to for hours!!!!! I will definitely b a patroon sooooo swoon!!! Thank you and great job !!

[@katiesutton4966]

Keep doing this. It is awesome.

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Thanks for sharing the details with US. Have A blessed Awesome Amazing Beautiful day Scott 🖐🏼👍✔️👑

[@terexdavis796]

Thanks Scott I love some James Dean 😊

[@kimkovaly3096]

James Dean is my favorite actor. Thanks for this great video

[@jeffdavis7376]

Scott, Jordan went to the funeral home in Paso Robles and found out that they had the casket on display that James Dean was laid out in, but they were closed when he did the vlog there

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

I loveJordan. I’m the one who told him 😊

[@jeffdavis7376]

@@DearlyDepartedTours oh that's right Scott I forgot he mentioned that in his vlog, was James Dean put in a different casket for burial in Indiana?

[@Donnafrmviolet]

Another great video! I hope your tours are up & running when I visit in November!

[@Lilaa86]

Scott you’re the best! Continue like this! Love how you know about all the famous Hollywood.. special when you talk about Sharon Tate. Love your vlog. 👏🏼 greetings from Italy 🇮🇹✌🏼

[@anneraso5621]

More excellent work by Scott!

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

Excellent job thank you.

[@bridgetheath21]

That was a great video Scott you told a lot of facts about James Dean that I never knew about and it was awesome thank you for that great video

[@frankied6440]

This was really well done with intelligence and humor, like everything you do. Very interesting and comprehensive. Well researched. I love seeing the historic sites.... all of them.

[@debbiethompson8527]

Love your detailed information, your knowledge and ability to tell the story is amazing! Thank you Scott.

[@psychcorp4449]

Unique and interesting stories. Priceless historical photos. Great scenic drives. Scott is the real deal and not a Hollywood phoney. Thank you, Scott, for another entertaining and informative video.

[@lindachavezw...246]

Pretty awesome vlog, Scott. Enjoyed it !!

[@keeliekalayidol8876]

It's crazy Rolph died 26 years later in coincidentally a car accident. I wish Rolph made a memoir of their last conversations, the music they might have listened to, what exactly they ate and drank, etc. But then again he may have wanted to keep these private ❤

[@sandimelvin2646]

You always tell these stories so well. It’s in the delivery. You’ve got it 👍🏼

[@edwardaustin740]

Thank you Scott for all the great things you do.

[@recoveringfatboy5660]

Love your vids! Thank you

[@seattlescofflaws]

Love how you did this one.

[@Nick-dr7ny]

Great video Scott! I literally just watched Rebel Without a Cause and Jordan’s vlogs on James Dean... Thank you!

[@dalepierce23]

great job! if i ever go to LA i will be looking up your business.

[@zeramproxy8502]

I have driven that road a hundred times, seen all that stuff and never knew until now why any of it existed. This was very interesting

[@TroyZombeeMunkeeParsons]

I’ve made that trip numerous times. Used to live in Santa Cruz and whenever we would visit family, we always took the 101 to the 46 to the 5.

[@ghytgb]

15:03 below the street light is a rectangular shaped James Dean Memorial Junction sign with two poles holding it up. That is very close to where James Dean’s car ended up after the collision that occurred close to the street light.

[@Danny_S.]

Thanks Scott. I love these.

[@vsmichael1]

Thanks Scott I enjoyed it.

[@gregfisher4529]

Thanks Scott for your hard work. I love anything James Dean related. I love your passion and commitment. :)

[@ivezb]

Growing up in Avenal just up the road from the crash site I would pass through there every day when I worked in Shandon near Paso Robles...being a big James Dean fan it was always sad going through there😞

[@josephmartinez8803]

Some sources say that after Dean received the ticket, he got off hwy 99 and took routes 166/33 to Blackwell's Corner, to avoid the police and which happens to be at the corner of route 33 and 46 (466). Also route 33 was known as the Racer's highway. The mechanic died in a car accident in 1981, not 1968.

[@janm62]

Love your presentations and you’ve certainly have the voice for these❣️. Do you have a PO Box to send you something?

[@CharlieNJanice]

Wow what an amazing video Scott you can clearly see your passion shine through in your videos Thank you for all the hard work Really enjoyed this video!

[@arricammarques1955]

Great reportage, Scott!

[@patrickprice3230]

Another excellent job Scott.

[@lisag18]

Thank you!!!! I'm a huge Deaner

[@lila6117]

Great filming, thank you!

[@mirandadickerson8482]

Thanks Scott I love your videos. I hope someday I'll get out there and take your tours. Stay Safe and sending hugs and love. 🌻🌻🌻🌹

[@FRANCESGUM]

Scott, you are the coolest person I know, and I don't even know you - ha! But you know what I mean. I swear once all these restrictions are lifted in California, I am taking one of your tours or something. Thank you for always having respect for the stories you cover. Stay safe and be well.

[@jeannespratt1235]

Great video! Thank you for sharing these videos.....you do a great job. It's always interesting to learn about the circumstances and background information you offer.

[@hrwcalifornia3961]

Love everything you do Scott!!! Thank you !!!

[@Bob-jg3vq]

Thank You Scott for taking me to the James Dean 🙏 crash site. Very interesting. I even watch the adds to try and help you.

[@ItsAllForYouDemon]

Great episode. Love your passion. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@debbieclark7031]

I really enjoyed this Vlog. Very informative about James Dean's last day on earth.

[@trent3872]

I bet Scott knows more about old Hollywood history than anybody on earth.

[@organboi]

No.

[@MotorCityMystic]

Great new format Scott... I always love watching you...but this is really great.

[@davidrixson3171]

Great video! I have James Dean's films on blu-ray, Great actor, so sad he was killed in a car crash at just 24 years old.

[@RoyAH.]

Jesus Scott, these are ALL SO GOOD! Please keep up the hard work! I appreciate it so much!

[@williamsburgkavanagh1710]

Cool engine sounds scott. Thanks for all you do from Detroit with love buddy!

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

Very informative and well presented Scott. Such a sad story and location. Is it true that James ambulance had a car accident on the way to the hospital? I really enjoy your channel

[@djangorheinhardt]

Yes,that did happen,but it was a minor one and both drivers just exchanged names and addresses etc.James was also robbed of his cash in his pocket somewhere along the way.Absolutely disgusting.BTW to get a definitive view of the causes of the crash get Lee Raskin's book " James Dean,On the Road to Salinas " He researched all the witness statements and exhibits,photographs ,in fact everything from the inquest.I'm afraid Jimmy does not come out of it very well.

[@jennycochrane2389]

Fantastic videos Scott,keep them coming!💖

[@lockedin60]

Scott a bit of trivia. The CHP officer who gave James Dean his speeding ticket on that day also gave Hickman a speeding ticket too. After Dean died and at some point in time the CHP's officer wrote Void:deceased on that ticket.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

Love your videos Scott. They feel like Three Degrees of Helter Skelter. Very informative and intriguing. Keep up the good work.

[@cathyshaw1227]

Thank you Scott, loved Jimmy. Scott Jimmy's friends were behind him in a pick up, Sanford Ross and Bill Hickman( stuntman, actor in Steve McQueen's Bullet drove the car in highspeed chase), as you explained Jimmy and Rolf were in the Porsche ( the little bastard) Jimmy's nicknamed the car. Blackwells corner was Jimmy's last stop where he had coke and an apple. Rest in peace James Byron Dean

[@organboi]

Not a pick up. But a flat bed pulled by a station wagon.

[@nickie7874]

Makes me think of Paul Walker ... another sad story.

[@p.j.gannon1646]

Thank you so much for this love James Dean and this was amazing ❤️

[@v2vroth]

Awesome!

[@stevep4574]

You're tearing me apaaaaart😭

[@quietplease8267]

Really like the new production! Great job!

[@holeighg9237]

Thanks for another video! It's so weird to see people around when you're walking outside, if people thought you just made this, haha.

[@roblandis4957]

Very good episode

[@MarkWilliams-yk2sk]

Good job on this thank you

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Wanna bet he was going faster than 70mph, both times? A short time before, when he was filming for Giant, he did a public service announcement about taking it easy on the roads, "The life you save, may be mine.", was his last line in the announcement before he walked out through a door.

[@antonchigurh3794]

Interestingly enough , the person driving the station wagon with the trailer , and the first on the scene was a man named Bill Hickman. He was the driver of the black Charger in the movie Bullitt. He also played an cop and did the driving in the French Connection.

[@organboi]

I did not know this. Thanks! Nothing more skillful than the French Connection driving scenes.

[@master-kq3nw]

excellent video

[@natalieangelo54]

JAMES DEAN , ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS , EXCELLENT

[@natalieangelo54]

JAMES DEAN IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ACTOR, I KNOW PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM , FROM FAIRMOUNT INDIANA , MARCUS WINSLOW IS HIS FIRST COUSIN