A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire

Year: 1951

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Elia Kazan

Drama

In 1940s New Orleans, the arrival of fragile Blanche DuBois disrupts the lives of her sister Stella and Stella's husband, Stanley Kowalski. Blanche, a fading socialite, attempts to conceal her troubled past while navigating the stifling heat and tensions of their close-quarters living situation. As Blanche's illusions clash with Stanley's blunt reality, a destructive conflict emerges, threatening to shatter the family’s precarious stability and expose long-held secrets.

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Timeline & Setting – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The timeframe of the story seems to align with post-World War II America, a period marked by significant social changes. This era saw shifting gender roles and growing urbanization, both of which are reflected in the characters’ dynamics and struggles.

Location

New Orleans, French Quarter

The movie takes place in the vibrant yet deteriorating neighborhoods of New Orleans, particularly in the French Quarter. Known for its rich cultural heritage and nightlife, this area contrasts sharply with the dilapidated tenement where the characters reside. Its streets embody a backdrop of both charm and decay, mirroring the characters' tumultuous lives.

🌆 City 🏘️ Neighborhood

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Meet the key characters of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh)

Blanche DuBois is a complex character whose fragility hides a turbulent past. As a middle-aged teacher who has faced profound losses, she attempts to maintain her genteel facade while grappling with her deteriorating mental state. Her arrival in New Orleans sets the stage for conflict and reveals her desperate desire for love and acceptance.

💔 Vulnerability 🎭 Complexity 🌹 Tragedy

Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando)

Stanley Kowalski is depicted as a raw, primal force, embodying post-war masculinity. His brutish nature and assertive demeanor starkly contrast with Blanche's delicacy, creating a palpable tension throughout the film. Stanley's relentless quest for control leads to devastating consequences for those around him.

🔥 Aggression 💪 Masculinity ⚔️ Conflict

Stella Kowalski (Kim Hunter)

Stella Kowalski is torn between her loyalty to her sister, Blanche, and her passionate connection to her husband, Stanley. She represents the struggle between familial duty and romantic love. Her character's evolution showcases her resilience and the complexities of love in a turbulent environment.

❤️ Love 🤔 Loyalty 📉 Conflict

Mitch (Karl Malden)

Mitch is a friend of Stanley who initially embodies gentleness and compassion. He becomes romantically interested in Blanche, seeing her charm and allure. However, as he learns more about her troubled past, his character transforms, reflecting the harsh realities of judgment and betrayal.

🌹 Romance 😢 Heartbreak 🕵️‍♂️ Revelation

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Explore the central themes of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Mental Struggle

A prominent theme in the film is the mental struggle of Blanche DuBois, who battles her traumatic past and deteriorating mental health. Her experiences highlight the challenges of coping with loss and societal expectations. This theme is compounded by the brutality of her surroundings and the relationships around her.

🌪️ Conflict

Conflict arises on multiple levels: between Blanche and Stanley, Blanche and her past, and even within Stella's divided loyalties. This theme drives the narrative, illustrating how the characters' desires and fears collide in a chaotic emotional landscape. The tensions spiral out of control, leading to tragic outcomes.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Unlock the Full Story of A Streetcar Named Desire

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A Streetcar Named Desire Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Streetcar Named Desire, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Streetcar Named Desire Summary

A Streetcar Named Desire Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Streetcar Named Desire with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Streetcar Named Desire Timeline

A Streetcar Named Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of A Streetcar Named Desire that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

A Streetcar Named Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Streetcar Named Desire

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Streetcar Named Desire: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Streetcar Named Desire

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