Dir: Elia Kazan, 1951, bw (9*)
AFI and Time Mag Top 100
Not for all tastes, but a terrifically acted version of the Tennessee Williams Pulitzer-winning play about aberrant, abusive relationships. Marlon Brando is searing as Stanley Kowalski, ironically the only main actor to NOT win an Oscar in this. Janet Leigh as Blanche du Bois (Best Actress), moves in with sister Stella, Kowalski's wife played by Kim Hunter (Supp. Actress), and dates hopeful beau Karl Malden (Supp. Actor). One of Kazan’s best, along with A Face in the Crowd, and On the Waterfront. 4 Oscars
Quote: "They told me to take the streetcar named Desire, transfer to one called Cemetaries, go six blocks and get off at Elysian Fields."