Watch Free Movies Online Now Blog
Orson Welles"Aliens have invaded! We heard the news broadcast! Didn't you?!?" October 30th, 1938. Orson Welles managed to create a panic of sorts to the radio listening audience. His production of H.G. Welles' story of alien conquerors, War of the Worlds was unique to say the least. He had to apologize publicly for causing fear and terror among the population. The Mercury TheatreFormed in 1937 by Orson Welles and John Houseman. Joseph Cotten, Martin Gabel, Vincent Price, Hans Conreid and Paul Stewart made up some of the members of the theater group. Italy which was under a fascist regime at the time, served as the backdrop of their production of Julius Caesar. They showcased many other plays on up to 1941. Including Danton's Death and Heartbreak House. Their final stage production was Native Son. Canada Lee played the role of Bigger, the protagonist and the play was performed at the St. James Theatre.
The Mercury Theatre on the AirFrom 1938–1940 The Mercury Theatre put many shows on the radio. Welles having had previous experience on the air playing Lamont Cranston on The Shadow and directing a seven-part radio adaptation of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables had a firm grasp on radio production. They did one hour shows on the CBS radio network. Their radio debut was Bram Stoker's Dracula. Welles played the title role and Dr. Seward. Other classics such as Treasure Island and The Count of Monte Cristo were given Welles' magic touch. Then came War of the Worlds. The unique presentation put Orson in the spotlight. Today their radio programs are regarded very highly and still enjoyed. The best however was yet to come. RosebudThe film Citizen Kane is regarded as the best motion pictures ever made - period. Released in 1941 by RKO Pictures it garnered nine Academy Award nominations. Herman Mankiewicz and Welles received the Academy Award for best original screenplay. Orson directed and starred in the picture, playing Charles Foster Kane. Several of the Mercury Theatre players had roles in the film as well. Citizen Kane while a critical success was not a big money maker at first. It took until 1956 for France and America to rediscover it and see it for what it was - a masterpiece. The cinematographer, Gregg Toland, utilized all the techniques he could and even created new ones to help Welles achieve his vision. Holes were even dug in the stage floor to get the cameras low angle shots done right. That's the Third Man that likes those Magnificent AmbersonsOrson Welles continued to amaze audiences with his writing, directing and acting. A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Booth Tarkington provided Welles with his second RKO film - the Magnificent Ambersons. He also worked on Journey into Fear. Orson said that the film was being shot so fast that it was directed by whoever was closest to the camera during each scene. Also during this time The Orson Welles Show made it debut on the radio. The variety show format they tried at first proved unpopular so Orson did the show by himself, reading stories to the listeners. Carol Reed's The Third Man had Welles acting with his good friend Joseph Cotton. The film was very well received and Orsons' performance as Harry Lime is fantastic. A Touch of EvilCharlton Heston stars as Vargas a Mexican Police Officer. Welles directs and plays a crooked cop. Marlene Dietrich, Akim Tamiroff and Joseph Cotton also star. The opening shot tells you this film is something special. The studio however reworked Welle's cut of the movie and even re-shot some scenes. In 1958 Welles did write a 58 page memo outlining changes and suggestions that the studio never implemented. Editor Walter Murch in 1998 tried to accommodate the memo for the DVD release of the film. October 10th 1985Orson Welles is an artist unlike any other. In 1979 he played Lew Lord. Their studio mogul that gave Kermit and friends the standard Rich and Famous Contract in The Muppet Movie. In 1985 he provided the voice of Unicron in Transformers: The Movie. The Merv Griffin Show was his last appearance in the entertainment medium. Two hours after appearing on the show he passed away in his Hollywood home. Much more is written about Orson Welles and indeed this is just the tip of the iceberg. His work is a wonder to behold and it will live on forever. Each new generation can be inspired and entertained. What else can one say about Orson Welles? "He was some kind of a man." - Marlene Dietrich,, Touch of Evil. Watch Orson Welles "The Stranger" Free Right NowThe Stranger Return to the homepage from |
