In 1972, amidst the backdrop of a Parisian flat and facing a film crew, Marlon Brando found himself in a peculiar predicament.
The veteran 47-year-old actor was gearing up for a full-frontal n^de scene in his latest cinematic venture, Last Tango in Paris.
However, as he candidly recounted in his autobiography, Songs My Mother Taught Me, the experience turned out to be “one of the more embarrassing moments of my professional life.”
On that chilly day, Brando revealed feeling utterly exposed as he grappled with an unexpected situation – his body's reaction to the cold.
He admitted with a tinge of shame, “my manhood shrank to the size of a peanut.
It simply retreated.”
This unforeseen turn of events left Brando feeling vulnerable and disconcerted, prompting him to anxiously roam the set, yearning for a resolution.
Eventually, an idea struck him.
Recalling the incident later, Brando shared, “I've always harbored a strong belief in the power of mind over matter.
Therefore, I focused my thoughts on my private parts, attempting to summon growth in my genitalia through sheer willpower; I even engaged in conversation with them.”
Despite his valiant efforts, his mental exertions proved futile.
He lamented, “My mind betrayed me.
I was left humiliated.”
Seeking a reprieve, he sought an hour's respite from the director and resolutely informed the crew of his determination, though sensing their skepticism.
Ultimately, he conceded, “I couldn't portray the scene in such circumstances,” leading to its exclusion from the final cut.
Even fifty years post its debut, Last Tango in Paris remains synonymous with explicitness, enduring as a hallmark of controversial cinema despite the emergence of more provocative films.
The mere mention of ‘Last Tango in…' evokes a sense of peril and allure, a notion ingeniously exploited by screenwriter Sally Wainwright in her comedic series, Last Tango in Halifax, chronicling the love story of an elderly duo.
The film's enduring legacy, five decades since its premiere, is chiefly rooted in its unabashed portrayal of human desire through explicit s–ual sequences.
Upon its American release, it garnered a rare ‘X' rating typically associated with adult content.
However, the enduring appeal of Last Tango lies not in its n^dty or the infamous butter scene but in Brando's raw and impassioned performance – a testament to his unparalleled talent and a poignant finale to his illustrious acting career.
