Tennessee Williams wanted Meryl Streep for a film version of "A Streetcar Named Desire" in the 1980s. When Streep proved unavailable, the project was refashioned for television and the role of Blanche given to Ann-Margret.
This film was deliberately photographed with excess picture information at the top and bottom of the screen so it could be theatrically exhibited overseas in a widescreen aspect ratio. If watched on the 'Zoom 1' picture mode setting on widescreen televisions, the film can be enjoyed in its intended 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio.
Reunites Treat Williams and Beverly D'Angelo who previously co-starred in Hair (1979).
"A Streetcar Named Desire" won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1948.