Orson Welles' Sketch Book (1955)
Season 1 Episode 5: The War of the Worlds
Orson Welles made a six-episode television series for the BBC, which basically has him playing storyteller. Through the six episodes we see him sitting in a chair where that terrific voice of his just speaks to the viewer as if you were sitting right next to him. The subject changed throughout the series but all the stories center around Welles' life and for the visuals of television we're given sketches that the legendary filmmaker drew.
Another excellent episode for Welles' BBC series has him talking about the now legendary and notorious radio play The War of the Worlds, which caused a major panic. Welles' briefly talks about the production itself but the majority of the fifteen minute running time is devoted to the various stories that he heard about the aftermath including a couple phone calls he received from people. He also tells a hilarious story about how John Barrymore was listening to the play, thought it was real and ended up releasing his dogs into the wild so that they could try and survive. I've seen countless documentaries about the subject so it was great entertainment getting to hear Welles discuss it. Obviously, he's a great storyteller and you have to question a few of the stories told here but who cares if they're real or not? They're certainly entertaining.
Episode: A+
Season 1 Episode 5: The War of the Worlds
Orson Welles made a six-episode television series for the BBC, which basically has him playing storyteller. Through the six episodes we see him sitting in a chair where that terrific voice of his just speaks to the viewer as if you were sitting right next to him. The subject changed throughout the series but all the stories center around Welles' life and for the visuals of television we're given sketches that the legendary filmmaker drew.
Another excellent episode for Welles' BBC series has him talking about the now legendary and notorious radio play The War of the Worlds, which caused a major panic. Welles' briefly talks about the production itself but the majority of the fifteen minute running time is devoted to the various stories that he heard about the aftermath including a couple phone calls he received from people. He also tells a hilarious story about how John Barrymore was listening to the play, thought it was real and ended up releasing his dogs into the wild so that they could try and survive. I've seen countless documentaries about the subject so it was great entertainment getting to hear Welles discuss it. Obviously, he's a great storyteller and you have to question a few of the stories told here but who cares if they're real or not? They're certainly entertaining.
Episode: A+
