23. "A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)" In response to In response to 0 Mon Jan-31-11 08:38 AM by Sponge
Airing Thursday Feb 3 @ 5:30 pm EST Dir: Elia Kazan Cast: Marlon Fuckin' Brando, Kim Hunter
Why: Seems like the majority ranks Brando in On the Waterfront over his turn here. For me, Brando's greatest performance in Streetcar is top 3 all-time status. He has 3 scenes that belong in the acting bible. And "Hey, Steeeellllaaaa" isn't one of them. Some of it is dated, true, but years ahead if you compare it to other film performances of the time. Classic playscript and play. Film has a lot of mood despite the sets looking obviously like sets. Kim Hunter is sublime as Stella in a very modern performance. It's not the greatest movie being shown in February on TCM, but for the aforementioned reasons, it's my top pick.