A Streetcar Named Desire was originally written as a play by Tennessee Williams in 1947. This was probably one of his most famous stories and for good reason. I personally love the story of A Streetcar Named Desire. I grew up watching the movie and have seen it performed on more than one occasion. The main thing that I have always noticed throughout all the versions I have seen is that they all do justice to the original story.
The first big screen adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire was made in 1951 and directed by Elia Kazan. I cannot remember the first time I saw this movie, but I am sure I probably enjoyed it. It has probably been four years since I have been exposed to this story, so getting to read the play and watch the movie this semester was a real treat. I had never really examined the movie like this before, but I am glad that I am getting the chance to.
Stanley is a character that the majority of people know, or have at least heard reference to. That is mostly due to the dynamic performance of a young Marlon Brando. I have always been a fan of Marlon Brando but was once again blown away by his performance while watching A Streetcar Named Desire in class. I think that Brando's Stanley is the quintessential Stanley, and all others to play the role have probably modeled their performance after his.
Although this was originally written for the stage, I believe it works beautifully as a movie as well. I cannot imagine what the fate of this wonderful screenplay would have been without the 1951 film, but I am glad that it has remained a timeless classic, and I hope that it always will.