Film: A Streetcar Named Desire

Special guests: Pre-screening conversation with Rebecca Brando, Miko Brando, actor Ed Begley Jr.; actor Cary Elwes; biographer Susan Mizruchi; costumer David Page.

Elia Kazan cast three Actors Studio veterans in his film version of Tennessee Williams’s stage classic, with Marlon Brando making an indelible impression in his nominated performance as Stanley Kowalski, a role he originated on stage, while Karl Malden and Kim Hunter (both Broadway carryovers) won for their supporting performances. Screen icon Vivien Leigh won her second Best Actress Academy Award for her delicately tragic portrayal of Blanche DuBois. Featuring an influential, jazz-infused, nominated score by Alex North and Oscar-winning black-and-white art direction from Richard Day and George James Hopkins, Streetcar lost none of its primal power on the big screen.

DIRECTED BY: Elia Kazan. WRITTEN BY: Tennessee Williams. ADAPTATION BY: Oscar Saul. WITH: Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden. 1951. 125 min. USA. B&W. English. Rated PG. DCP.