Marlon Brando’s Decision to Pass on Romantic Tumble with Vivien Leigh During ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Shoot

Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh delivered unforgettable performances in the 1951 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,' directed by Elia Kazan.

Leigh portrayed Blanche DuBois flawlessly, while Brando gained fame for his role as Stanley Kowalski.

In his 1994 autobiography, ‘Songs My Mother Taught Me,' Brando, known for his playboy ways, shared why he refrained from pursuing a romantic involvement with Leigh during the filming of this iconic movie.

The main reason was Leigh's marriage to Sir Laurence Olivier, which acted as a deterrent for Brando.

Brando, who originated the role of Stanley on Broadway in 1947, had reservations about Jessica Tandy's portrayal of Blanche in the New York production.

Despite Tandy winning a Tony Award for her performance, Brando felt she lacked the finesse and fragility essential for the character.

In his eyes, Blanche DuBois should embody purity and delicateness, qualities he believed Leigh naturally possessed.

According to Brando's memoir, he found Leigh's casting as Blanche in the West End production in London to be spot-on, stating that she embodied the essence of the character.

This sentiment was echoed in Leigh's critically acclaimed performance in the film adaptation, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Brando viewed Leigh as not only stunningly beautiful but also emotionally fragile, akin to Tennessee William's envisioned wounded butterfly.

He highlighted Leigh's beauty and vulnerability, drawing parallels between her tumultuous personal life and that of the character she portrayed.

During the filming of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,' Brando contemplated engaging romantically with Leigh but ultimately decided against it due to her marital status and out of respect for Olivier.

Brando observed Leigh's deteriorating mental and physical state, attributing it to her multiple affairs and speculated mental decline.

Despite Olivier and Leigh's enduring 20-year marriage marked by passion and collaboration, it was marred by infidelity, mental health struggles, and interpersonal conflicts.

Brando admired Olivier and refrained from pursuing Leigh out of respect for their relationship, acknowledging Olivier's deliberate ignorance of Leigh's indiscretions.

The relationship dynamics between Brando, Leigh, and Olivier during the filming of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire' underscored the complexities of human emotions and loyalties.

Brando's decision to refrain from a potential affair with Leigh showcased a blend of admiration, restraint, and respect for the boundaries set by Leigh's marriage.