Marlon Brando, Age 25, On The Set Of 'The Men' (1950)

June 13, 2021

In 1949, Marlon Brando was a brash and charismatic stage actor who was poised to make his mark on the silver screen. Cast to star in his first movie, The Men, Brando, who later enjoyed a reputation as a tough guy, had to explore his vulnerability for his role as a paralyzed war veteran. 

A 25-year-old Marlon Brando. ( Colorizer: Klimbim Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22155693@N04/26053000701/)

To prepare for his role as wheelchair-bound veteran, Marlon Brando shown here in a colorized photo taken on set, declined producer Stanley Kramer’s offer to stay in a swanky Hollywood during the filming of The Men. Instead, Brando opted to stay at the VA hospital in Van Nuys among a group of wounded war veterans. 

A Young Marlon Brando

As a Broadway actor, Brando had a reputation for mumbling and complaining. (variety.com)

In 1944, a young Marlon Brando made his Broadway debut. The unpredictable method actor, however, earned mixed reviews during his time on Broadway. Some critics labeled him the “Most Promising Young Actor” even as directors refused to hire him based on his erratic acting style. Still, his time on Broadway was an overall success. He appeared in such shows as I Remember Mama, A Flag Is Born, and most notably, the Broadway version of A Streetcar Named Desire