A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

After enduring personal losses which have taken its toll on her, an aging Mississippi Southern belle (Vivien Leigh) comes to visit her married sister (Kim Hunter) in New Orleans. There is an immediate clash between her and her sister's brutish husband (Marlon Brando). Based on the acclaimed play by Tennessee Williams (who adapted his play for the screen with some help from Oscar Saul) and directed by Elia Kazan (EAST OF EDEN). Despite the changes from the original play due to the censorship restrictions of the time (the homosexuality of Leigh's husband is barely hinted at, the ending has been changed), this is an excellent film representation of a great play by (arguably) America's greatest playwright. With the exception of Leigh (replacing Jessica Tandy), the majority of the play's original cast recreate their stage roles. The film contains two iconic performances: Brando inhabits Stanley Kowalski so completely that any actor taking on the part must deal with the burden of the memory of Brando's performance and in a staggering performance, Vivien Leigh gives one of the 4 or 5 greatest performances by an actress ever put on film. A powerful, heartbreaking film overflowing with the beauty of Williams' poetic dialogue. With Karl Malden (superb), Rudy Bond and Peg Hillias.