DuBois’s portrayer in the film “A Streetcar Named Desire” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic piece of film trivia, asking solvers to identify the actress behind one of the most memorable performances in Hollywood history. It tests your knowledge of mid-20th-century cinema and its iconic stars.

Clue Analysis

The clue breaks down as follows:

• "DuBois's": This refers to the character Blanche DuBois, the tragic protagonist of the story.
• "portrayer": This simply means the actor or actress who played the role.
• "in the film 'A Streetcar Named Desire'": This specifies the 1951 movie adaptation, not the original Tennessee Williams play. The answer required is the last name of the lead actress.

This is a direct knowledge clue with no wordplay. You either know the actress's name or you'll need to rely on crossing letters to figure it out.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: If you're a fan of classic movies, the name might come to you instantly. The performance is legendary, as is the actress.
2. Association: Try to picture the film. The most famous actor associated with it is Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski. Who was the female lead opposite him? Running through the great actresses of that era (the 1940s and 50s) might jog your memory.
3. Cross-Referencing Roles: The actress in question had another, perhaps even more famous, role as a Southern belle in a Civil War epic. If you can think of the actress who played Scarlett O'Hara, you've found your answer.
4. Using Crossings: If the name escapes you, wait for some crossing letters. With a five-letter last name, getting even two or three letters (like the initial 'L' or the final 'H') can make the answer much more gettable.

Background Context

The film in question is the 1951 classic A Streetcar Named Desire, based on Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The role of Blanche DuBois, a fragile and delusional Southern belle who comes to live with her sister and brutish brother-in-law, is one of the most complex in American theater and film.

The actress who portrayed her was Vivien Leigh. She had already played the role on the London stage. Her performance in the film was critically acclaimed, earning her a second Academy Award for Best Actress. Her first Oscar was for playing another iconic Southern belle, Scarlett O'Hara, in Gone with the Wind (1939).

Conclusion

This clue is a solid piece of cultural trivia that rewards solvers with a knowledge of film history. While not an everyday name for some, Vivien Leigh's iconic roles make her a frequent and fair entry in crossword puzzles. If you didn't know it, it's a great name to file away for future grids.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue seeks the last name of the actress who won an Academy Award for this iconic role.
2. Hint 2: This British actress is also famously known for playing Scarlett O'Hara in “Gone with the Wind.”
3. Hint 3: Her first name was Vivien.
4. Hint 4: The name is a homophone for a type of woven garland often associated with Hawaii.

The answer is LEIGH.