A Streetcar Named Desire

[WalkOn]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:08pm

Does anyone remember seeing a made for television version of this in the '80's with Ann-Margaret, Treat Williams and Beverly D'Angelo.

I was young, but I remember being very impressed with Ann Margaret. Was she good, or was my ability to discern a good performance from a mediorce one still underdeveloped?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:11pm

I had this show on tape. I'm not sure if I copied over it or if I still have it. The thing that bothered me most about the show was that it was shot with a brownish tint which was distracting.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:16pm

Ann-Magret was very very good, bringing an unaffected smoldering sexuality to the role. In some ways I preferred her to Leigh, who's performance seems quite mannered and "stagy" by comparison. If I remember correctly, Tennessee Williams had given her a ringing endorsement before filming began, saying that he thought she would be absolutely perfect for the role (he, unfortunately died before filming was completed). Treat Williams, D'Angelo and Randy Quaid were also first rate. I haven't seen this version in years, and it would definitely be worth tracking down.

Updated On: 1/19/07 at 05:16 PM

[WalkOn]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:17pm

Brownish tint? I believe you, funny because my memory is of a very colorful - almost candy-like - look; much too pretty for the subject matter.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:25pm

Amazon.com has it:

http://www.amazon.com/Streetcar-Named-Desire-TV-Movie/dp/6302362830


Updated On: 1/19/07 at 05:25 PM

[WalkOn]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:27pm

From the cover, I see what Goth means by brownish tint.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:36pm

I remember it well...and it was shot in a very warm sepia tone...didn't Ann and Bev get nominated for Emmys?

[StageManager2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:37pm

Hubba-hubba!
Va va va voom!
What a Treat!

[WalkOn]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:43pm

I honestly can't remember anything about William's peformance.. I think my hormones were in overdrive just looking at him.

[justagirl2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:44pm

Updated On: 3/9/17 at 05:44 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:48pm

I remember liking it too!

But I don't remember anything other than Ann-Margaret and the brown tint.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:49pm

It won Emmys for Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing and Sound Mixing, while Ann-Margret, D'Angelo and Quaid were all nominated. Also, Margret won a Golden Globe and Williams was nominated.

[DG]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:50pm

This is what I always think of when Christian, in LATTER DAYS, says, "I believe Ann Margaret has never gotten her due as an actress." I remember seeing this when it was broadcast, and loving it. Ann really did seem made for the role, and Treat and Beverly SIZZLED as Stanley and Stella.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 5:57pm

justagirl2: Are you saying ugly people are easy to hate?

Incidentally, John C. Reilly was Stanley in the STREETCAR revival two years ago.

[justagirl2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:01pm

Updated On: 3/9/17 at 06:01 PM

[StageManager2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:12pm

Who are you, Scarlett O'Hara?

BTW: You can't rape the willing.

[WalkOn]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:13pm

justagirl2, hit on a very interesting point. While Blanche is character actors want to play. Stella has the dilemma the audience has.. how do you make peace with the lust you feel for Stanley while at the same time trying to keep within your cultures restrictions on sex.

In a way it drive Blanche crazy... but Stella, in order to survive..give in.

Therefore, it helps to have Stanley cast with an actor that broadly inspires sexual desire.

Just some thought..

Updated On: 1/19/07 at 06:13 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:16pm

I was actually just thinking about this idea the other night. Everyone wants to play Blanche, and it is undoubtedly one of the top three roles for women to play, but Stella is a wonderful character. She is forced to choose between her sister and the man she's married to.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:27pm

"She is forced to choose between her sister and the man she's married to."

And with a baby on the way!!

[justagirl2]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:31pm

Updated On: 3/9/17 at 06:31 PM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:36pm

I worked with Kim Hunter once. She told a story about one matinee: in the scene where Brando grabs her and heads for the bed, there was supposed to be a blackout as they reach the bed, but the lights didn't go out. So Brando kept walking and walked into the closet.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 6:42pm

The Ann-Margaret version was filmed in sepia tones to give it an aged look. Ann-Margaret was superb in the role and the whole production was truer to the author's intent.

Stanley is supposed to be good-looking: at the prime of his sexuality.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 7:01pm

This isn't good-looking??





I don't think sexuality can be more prime than this.

Updated On: 1/19/07 at 07:01 PM

[mattonstage]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 7:02pm

I believe Ann-Margret has definitely not been given her due as an actress. She should have won her second Emmy for "Streetcar", but as with "Who Will Love My Children" she somehow lost.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/19/07 at 7:03pm