A play is one work of literature which adapts well to the stage---well, of course. However, the actors and actresses selected to portray the roles of the characters make all the difference in the world to the end result.
While I love watching the 1951 version of the film (before my time), my favorite is the one made in 1984 with Treat Williams as Stanley, Ann-Margret as Blanche, Beverly D'Angelo as Stella, and Randy Quaid as Mitch.
Maybe it was because I enjoy Treat Williams, and seeing him in the rain, yelling up the stairs at his wife, wanting her to return to him on that stormy night....oh my. Maybe it was because I enjoy Beverly D'Angelo's portrayal of her characters. Stella Kowalski is quite different from Ellen Griswold of the Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and other Vacation movies with Chevy Chase. Maybe it was because I like watching Randy Quaid put a different style into Mitch, and he too joined Chevy Chase in the Vacation movies as cousin Eddie. Ann-Margret? Well, she was a perfect Blanche, a former beauty trying to regain her zest for life, her flight from aging, her need for being desired.
I think that I need to find a copy of that version. Be back later......
I really did not know that Beverley D'Angelo starred in a version of A Streetcar Named Desire. I really enjoyed her in Christmas Vacation as well as Randy Quaid. Come to think of it I REALLY enjoyed Randy Quaid when he starred as Cousin Eddie in Christmas Vacation. He made me laugh when he said "Fried Pussycat".
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched this version, but I really need to. I LOVE Ann-Margret. I have always been a huge fan of musicals, with "Bye Bye Birdie" being my favorite. I remember being mesmerized as a child watching the opening credits with Ann-Margret singing solo in front of a blue screen. I thought she was so beautiful. I hope I age half as well as she has.
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