One actor. Two film roles. You tell us which portrayal was the best. The most memorable. Or iconic. Or simply your favorite.
But before you pass judgment, a few words defending the “character” of each…
The case for Blanche DuBois
Film critic Pauline Kael summed it up best: “Vivien Leigh gives one of those rare performances that can truly be said to evoke pity and terror. As Blanche DuBois, she looks and acts like a destroyed Dresden shepherdess. [She] has this quality of hopeless, feminine frailty. …Blanche’s plea ‘I don’t want realism … I want magic!’ is central to A Streetcar Named Desire.” Blanche would appreciate your vote—she has always depended on the kindness of strangers.
The case for Scarlett O’Hara
After an exhaustive nationwide search to give Margaret Mitchell’s character life, Vivien Leigh emerged victorious garnering the Best Actress Oscar for 1939. Vivien deftly hit all the right notes to Gone with the Wind’s independent, brassy, conniving, resolute, vain, gorgeous Southern belle. Surely Scarlett would be insulted if you prefer Blanche DuBois to her, but in the end it really wouldn’t matter. After all, tomorrow is another day!
Now that you’ve heard the arguments for both it’s time to render your verdict!