Elia Kazan's film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' timeless work brought together two cinematic legends, creating what is now considered one of the most exquisite gems in the history of cinema.
As "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) celebrates its 70th anniversary, the film's production concealed a poignant drama, primarily affecting Vivien Leigh, who portrayed Blanche DuBois, and witnessed her life unravel in the process.
Vivien Leigh's journey with the film was a tumultuous one, as she paid a heavy toll, her physical and mental well-being deteriorating significantly. Her husband, Laurence Olivier, had strenuously attempted to dissuade her from taking the role, well aware of the toll it would take on her fragile health, given her previous struggles during theatrical performances of Tennessee Williams' play.
Leigh grappled with bipolar disorder, compounded by depressive episodes, a fragile mental state that would mirror the turmoil of her character, Blanche. The celebrated actress did secure her second Oscar after "Gone with the Wind" (1939), but the private nightmare she endured was unrelenting.
Olivier, in his memoirs, recounted episodes where Vivien would appear to be at peace, only to suddenly rise in the middle of the night, fervently reciting lines from Tennessee Williams' script. Her mental and emotional turmoil intensified, leading to multiple hospitalizations and treatments involving electroconvulsive therapy. At that time, she had to conceal her health struggles, as discussing such conditions carried social stigmas. This is a reflection of the era when Rosemary Kennedy, part of the Kennedy family, underwent a lobotomy for similar reasons.
Vivien's fragility was further exacerbated by a miscarriage and a tumultuous relationship with Olivier. In an ironic twist, Olivier had chosen another actor, Peter Finch, for London performances, with whom Leigh had an affair. Despite being initially cast to star alongside Peter Finch in her next film, "The Path of the Elephants" (1954), her deteriorating health forced her to withdraw, and Elizabeth Taylor took her place. The marriage between Vivien and Olivier eventually ended in 1960, marked by several of Leigh's suicide attempts.
Interestingly, the iconic role of Vivien Leigh's Blanche was initially offered to Tallulah Bankhead, a renowned figure from the silent film era. She humorously encapsulated her outlook on life with the quote, "My father warned me about men and alcohol, but he never said anything about women and cocaine."
However, Bankhead declined the offer, leading to Jessica Tandy's consideration. Tandy, who would later clinch an Academy Award for "Driving Miss Daisy," was ultimately not deemed suitable for the role by the film's director and producers, who believed she lacked the necessary box office appeal.
Amidst the turmoil that surrounded "A Streetcar Named Desire," there was an unexpected glimmer of fame. Marlon Brando, who portrayed Stanley Kowalski, not only solidified his status as a symbol but also unwittingly catalyzed a trend. Brando's iconic white tank top became a sensation, resulting in stores repeatedly selling out of the item. Three years later, Brando would ascend to cinematic glory with "On the Waterfront."
