Back in 1956, there was no more glamorous or rebellious film star than Marlon Brando. On this night though, he joined in the protocol of the United Nations in what was called “Staff Day,” an internal affair largely then excluding the public. Today such affairs at the UN generally invite the public. The UN’s Correspondents Association (UNCA), has its own gala event or ball every year recognizing the contributions of journalists from around the globe, frequently in the face of danger and suppression. The UNCA Ball is attended by the UN Secretary General and other members of the UN Secretariat as well as the UN press corp – in many ways a UN Staff Day. However, it also is encrusted with star power from popular culture from Angelina Jolie to Nicolas Cage, just like six decades earlier when Marlon Brando came to the UN.
PHOTO: Staff Day at United Nations
Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld (extreme left) is seen here with the guest artists who provided entertainment for the evening. They are (l. to r.) Eleonor Steber, leading soprano of the Metropolitan Opera; Michael Redgrave, famous British actor; Beatrice Lillie, the international impressionist; Marlon Brando, celebrated American film actor; and Rudolf Firkusny, talented Czech-born pianist. (18 September 1956)
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