Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh delivered unforgettable performances in the iconic 1951 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ under the direction of Elia Kazan.
The film showcased Leigh as Blanche DuBois, a fading debutante, and Brando as Stanley Kowalski, Blanche’s rugged brother-in-law, which catapulted both actors to stardom.
In his autobiography titled ‘Songs My Mother Taught Me,’ published in 1994, Brando disclosed why he refrained from engaging romantically with Leigh during the filming of this renowned movie.
Despite his reputation as a womanizer, Brando admitted to having a certain level of interest in Leigh, but her marriage to Sir Laurence Olivier served as a significant deterrent for him.
Brando, who originally portrayed Stanley on Broadway in 1947, had reservations about the casting choice for Blanche in the New York production, where Jessica Tandy assumed the role.
Although Tandy received critical acclaim, winning a Tony Award for her performance, Brando felt she lacked the finesse and fragility essential for the character.
In contrast, he praised Leigh’s portrayal in the West End production in London, considering her a flawless fit for the character of Blanche.
The actor described Leigh as not only strikingly beautiful but also possessing a sense of vulnerability that resonated with the essence of Blanche DuBois.
He highlighted her beauty as one of the screen’s finest, coupled with a delicate vulnerability that mirrored the wounded butterfly image envisioned by Tennessee Williams.
Brando’s decision to abstain from pursuing Leigh romantically was influenced by his respect for Sir Laurence Olivier, Leigh’s husband at the time.
Despite considering the possibility of a liaison with Leigh, Brando ultimately chose not to act on his impulses out of admiration for Olivier.
He noted that while Leigh was entangled in various relationships, including rumored liaisons with other individuals, he held Olivier in high regard and did not wish to disrupt their dynamic.
During his time working with Leigh, Brando observed what he perceived as her gradual unraveling, both mentally and physically.
Acknowledging Leigh’s personal struggles, including battles with bipolar disorder and recurring episodes of tuberculosis, Brando witnessed her facing emotional turmoil amidst a tumultuous personal life.
Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh’s marriage, spanning two decades, endured its fair share of challenges, marked by infidelity, mental health issues, and discord.
Brando’s decision to maintain a platonic relationship with Leigh stemmed from his admiration for Olivier and an understanding of the complexities within their marriage.
As Brando reflected on his experience working alongside Leigh on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ he recognized the delicate balance between professional admiration and personal restraint, underscoring the complexities of human relationships amidst the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden era.
