40. ‘The Teahouse of the August Moon’ (1956)
The best that can be said about this culture-clash comedy — hugely popular in its day — is that it’s well-meaning. Adapted from a Vern J. Sneider novel and a Tony-winning John Patrick play, ‘The Teahouse of the August Moon’ tackles the tricky subject of the U.S. military occupation of Japan after World War II, spoofing the Americans’ attempts to monetize the local residents and customs. Brando’s all-but-unrecognizable performance as the helpful translator Sakini, while impressively committed, is impossible to defend. The character is servile and wizened in ways that would look embarrassingly dated even if an actual Japanese actor were in the role. Played by a white Hollywood star born in Nebraska, Sakini’s tough to take. —NM