Historic Photo Gallery: 1947 to 1954
1947
On November 17, 1947, Tennessee Williams'
A Streetcar Named Desire began
its pre-Broadway tryout at the Walnut. Marlon Brando was a relative newcomer
to the professional theatre scene when he starred as Stanley Kowalski in
this production. He had only one Broadway role to his credit, and was virtually
unknown outside of New York. Brando was not even the original choice for the
role. Producers wanted actor John Garfield, but Garfield felt it was a
secondary role and passed. Marlon Brando was a critical success and went on
to reprise his role in the 1951 film, playing opposite Vivien Leigh.
(Photograph courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.)
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