An adaptation of a classic play by Tennessee Williams tells the story of
a woman who is in the process of losing everything, particularly her mental
health. Blanche seeks temporary refuge with her sister Stella and her
husband Stanley, but the initial conflict with Stanley escalates while Blanche
slumps deeper and deeper in her issues.
The role of Stanley Kowalski was the first big role for Marlon Brando who
introduced the so-called method acting to the big screen. Compared to
Vivien Leigh, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden who unlike him won Academy
Awards for their performances, Brando is much more subtle in experiencing
emotions while retaining a strong physical presence. He became the first
star of the Actors Studio and a role model for future generations of actors.
Along with Elia Kazan, Lee Strasberg and others, he launched a revolution in
film acting.