Streetcar for Sale (1959): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1959, Streetcar for Sale is a comedy film directed by Juan Estelrich, running about 29 minutes.

What it’s about. This excellent short film written by the magnificent filmmaker duo of Luis García Berlanga and screenwriter Rafael Azcona was to be part of a series entitled Los Pícaros (The Rogues) which was never continued. These two artists were responsible for such masterpieces of Spanish cinema as Plácido and El verdugo (The Executioner). Here, Berlanga and Azcona collaborated for the first time, setting the stage for the post-war "Berlanguiana" vision that would develop. José Luis López Vázquez plays Julián, a seedy swindler, who with his cronies tries to sell a streetcar to a rich but naive farmer, a newcomer to the city. High jinx ensue. With this film begins the great stage of Berlanga's filmmaking in which he mixes a little social criticism and notes of anti-clericalism with a great deal of farce.

Who’s in it. Streetcar for Sale stars José Luis López Vázquez as Julián el Toribio, Antonio García Quijada as Felipe, María Luisa Ponte as Julia and Antonio Martínez as Víctima de la estafa, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Streetcar for Sale has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Streetcar for Sale page.

If you liked it. Fans of Streetcar for Sale tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.