In my recent delvings into the life of Orson Welles, I came upon lovely recollections of Orson and Joseph Cotten. 'Jo', as he was known, had a stroke in the early 1980's, which resulted in a loss of speech. Years of therapy restored his voice. Orson and Jo spoke on the phone, Orson helping Jo in his effort to bring back full voice. Cotten wrote a book. Orson asked to read it. After reading it, he was asked his opinion. 'Gentle, witty and self-effacing, just like Jo,' came the reply. Orson died the next day.
A most original and creative talent. To put it mildly. It's been a few days now, inside the Orson Welles wormhole, and I've yet to find an interview where he is not gracious, charming, magnanimous and brilliant. Even those who speak of his mercurial ways when working concede that his brilliance far outshone any of his annoying or even infuriating behaviour.
While no adherent of the mystical or even of Jung's 'meaningful coincidences' in any palpable way, I did experience an odd little coincidence just then. While listening to Orson & Johnny, I went to Orson's Wikipedia entry to see what time of year he died. In so doing, I looked again at the main photo of Orson, aged 21, taken by Carl Van Vechten. Still listening to O & J, I clicked on the link to Van Vechten's Wikipedia entry. And just as Johnny said, at 10:57, "In Cedar Rapids, Iowa today..." I saw Carl Van Vechten's place of birth: Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The staples of American television, like Johnny, from the early 1960's to the early 1990's, allow audiences to mark the years by their attire. Dave not so much because I don't think he conformed as much to the Zeitgeist of fashion. But Johnny in the 1970's was a sight. They say fashions come and go in a cyclical fashion, but that's not entirely true. Some elements of an older style may have a rebirth for a little while, but imagine for a moment the 1970's styles coming back into vogue. I can say without equivocation that the lapels on Johnny's jacket, not to mention the fabric and colour, will never have a resurgence outside of a post-apocalypse.
The other thing about falling or jumping into an internet wormhole is that there is a finite amount of content. As a result, you'll invariably find yourself looking at things twice. With some, that signals the end of your journey. But with Orson Welles, it's just another chance to enjoy him.
You are fantastic!!! I miss you so much, your voice is incredible.
In my recent delvings into the life of Orson Welles, I came upon lovely recollections of Orson and Joseph Cotten. 'Jo', as he was known, had a stroke in the early 1980's, which resulted in a loss of speech. Years of therapy restored his voice. Orson and Jo spoke on the phone, Orson helping Jo in his effort to bring back full voice. Cotten wrote a book. Orson asked to read it. After reading it, he was asked his opinion. 'Gentle, witty and self-effacing, just like Jo,' came the reply. Orson died the next day.
What a great interview. They just don't have this type of magic anymore.
I absolutely agree. I'm not very old yet, but that fact has already been driven home to me. Everything has been dumbed down for people today.
Standards must be hung up, not down. Contemporary culture is a cesspool of compromise and pandering.
I could listen to Orson Welles speak all day.
"Heaven" would be a bottle of fine whiskey, two tall glasses, and a night of conversation with Orson Welles. Could it get any better than that?
fucking orson! you legend
A most original and creative talent. To put it mildly. It's been a few days now, inside the Orson Welles wormhole, and I've yet to find an interview where he is not gracious, charming, magnanimous and brilliant.
Even those who speak of his mercurial ways when working concede that his brilliance far outshone any of his annoying or even infuriating behaviour.
While no adherent of the mystical or even of Jung's 'meaningful coincidences' in any palpable way, I did experience an odd little coincidence just then. While listening to Orson & Johnny, I went to Orson's Wikipedia entry to see what time of year he died. In so doing, I looked again at the main photo of Orson, aged 21, taken by Carl Van Vechten. Still listening to O & J, I clicked on the link to Van Vechten's Wikipedia entry. And just as Johnny said, at 10:57, "In Cedar Rapids, Iowa today..." I saw Carl Van Vechten's place of birth: Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
"Barrels of pith " (LMAO).
The staples of American television, like Johnny, from the early 1960's to the early 1990's, allow audiences to mark the years by their attire. Dave not so much because I don't think he conformed as much to the Zeitgeist of fashion. But Johnny in the 1970's was a sight.
They say fashions come and go in a cyclical fashion, but that's not entirely true. Some elements of an older style may have a rebirth for a little while, but imagine for a moment the 1970's styles coming back into vogue. I can say without equivocation that the lapels on Johnny's jacket, not to mention the fabric and colour, will never have a resurgence outside of a post-apocalypse.
I wonder if Orson came back and did the radio demonstration they spoke about here.
I wish they had, but I doubt it -- I'm sure it would be available on RUclips somewhere.
Unicron.
The other thing about falling or jumping into an internet wormhole is that there is a finite amount of content. As a result, you'll invariably find yourself looking at things twice. With some, that signals the end of your journey. But with Orson Welles, it's just another chance to enjoy him.
❤❤❤❤ض
Absolutely wonderful!
"SPARKLE, Orson!"