SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Radio variety show broadcast only in California, not nationally. This episode includes Welles performing soliloquies from Richard II. The guest star was Susan Hayward but she did not participate in any Shakespeare reading.

Series

Orson Welles’s Almanac

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

12 Jul 1944 (Channel: CBS)

Duration

30 mins

Credits

Director

Orson Welles

Writer

Bud Pearson; Les White; Lou Quinn

Cast

Orson Welles

King Richard II

Additional Details

Production type

Sitcoms/Variety

Plays

Richard II

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes

This episode was broadcast before an audience of soldiers at Camp Cooke in California.

General

`Orson Welles’ Almanac’ was an attempt to create a show in the mold of the popular variety shows of the time, but with the unique presence of Welles as the main attraction. The series eventually became more of an "entertain the troops" proposition, as later episodes aired from military bases and featured humor geared toward the military audiences. Each show featured a wide variety of entertainment, ranging from broad comedy to musical numbers to readings from sources like Shakespeare and the Bible. In some ways, this show was closer to the original concept behind the ‘Orson Welles Show’ than that show actually ended up being. Guests ranged from Groucho Marx to Charles Laughton to Jimmy Durante, in addition to numerous starlets. Mobil Oil sponsored the show, which ran 26 episodes [wellesnet.com]

History

Available from otr.com as ORSON WELLES’ RADIO ALMANAC

Production Company

Name

CBS Radio

Sponsor

Name

Mobil Oil

Online Retailer

Name

otr.com

Email

order@otr.cat

Web

http://www.otrcat.com External site opens in new window

Address

OTR Cat
PO Box 19234
Lenexa
KS 66285
USA