MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SEMINAR SERIES, THE: WORKING WITH ORSON WELLES {LONG VERSION}
Summary
One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. In this seminar, Los Angeles Museum director Steven A. Bell speaks with editor Dan Cahn; actors Rick Jason and Janet Leigh; and renowned radio writer, producer, and director Norman Corwin about their experiences working with Orson Welles.
After brief introductory remarks, Bell presents a highlight reel of the career of the multifaceted Welles, including clips from the following: "The Shadow: The Three Ghosts" (1937); "Mercury Theatre on the Air: War of the Worlds" (1938); "Orson Welles and H. G. Wells" (1940); "The American Experience: The Battle Over 'Citizen Kane'" (1996); "Columbia Presents Corwin: 14 August" (1945); "Person to Person" (1955); "The Fountain of Youth" (1956, aired 1958); "Arena: The Orson Welles Story" (1983); and "Omnibus: King Lear" (1953). The panelists then join Bell on stage and discuss the following topics, among others: their recollections of meeting Welles; their different views of Welles' character; the actor/director's plan to do a film version of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"; Welles's proficiency with the technical elements of film; the use of special effects in "The Fountain of Youth"; Jason's difficulties with Welles; and Leigh's experiences working with Welles on the film "Touch of Evil." Corwin then talks about what he calls Welles's "flair," and the panelists discuss William Randolph Hearst's efforts to cripple "Citizen Kane" and destroy Welles's career. Next, the panel fields questions and responds to comments from the audience, leading to a discussion of the following topics, among others: Welles's liberal political views; filmmaking during the McCarthy era; Welles' recognition of himself as a tragic figure in the final years of his life; the possibility of an Orson Welles commemorative postage stamp; the re-editing of "Touch of Evil"; Welles's respect for his audiences; the relationship between Welles and John Houseman; and the status of Welles's unfinished films.
Details
- NETWORK: Paley
- DATE: May 16, 2000 Tuesday 7:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:33:07
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:60063
- GENRE: Seminars
- SUBJECT HEADING: N/A
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Steven A. Bell … Host, Moderator
- Dan Cahn … Panelist
- Norman Corwin … Panelist
- Rick Jason … Panelist
- Janet Leigh … Panelist
- Joseph Conrad
- William Randolph Hearst
- John Houseman
- Joseph McCarthy
- Orson Welles
- H. G. Wells