Jessica Tandy performs STREETCAR

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 4:49pm

Here's a Friday treat; Jessica Tandy performs Blanche's big monologue in a 1970s documentary called THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS. Tandy is in her late 60s here but we can still get a glimpse of what must have made her wonderful in the role on stage.
Jessica Tandy as Blanche

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 6:09pm

Oh, wow!

Thanks for that.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 6:13pm

Perfect...

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 7:07pm

Thanks--I knew the radio excerpts from the 50s, and knew *of* this but never saw it. That rather bitchy/gossipy book about Streetcar in every incarnation that came out a few years has many interviews about Tandy's take on the role, and people sayshe does play it with more reservation in the recorded 50s and this version than she did originally--though she did still play the ex school teacher angle more than Leigh.

[dreaming]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 8:40pm

Wow! That was amazing. To imagine what it must have been like to see her live!

[twinbelters]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 9:21pm

I'd watch her original performance in holographic imaging.

[nmartin]

Posted: 4/20/12 at 10:01pm

The name of this documentary is actually Tennessee Williams' South. Harry Rasky directed it. He also wrote a book about his experiences with Williams called Tennesse Williams: A Portrait in Laughter and Lamentation, which contains some wonderful stories.

[best12bars]

Posted: 4/21/12 at 8:57am

Great to see this. I love all of the twists and turns she takes in it emotionally. Such a brilliant actress. Thanks for sharing!