Orson Welles - Interview (July 27, 1970)

Summary

The script shows a 1971 interview between talk show host Dick Cavett and legendary filmmaker Orson Welles. They discuss Welles' unconventional childhood traveling through Europe, his early successes in theater and film, impressions of historical figures like Hitler and FDR, his military experience during WWII, opinions on violence in American culture, advice on filmmaking, and more. Their quick-witted banter touches on various topics from Welles' work to Cavett's interview style, revealing two intellectual yet humorous personalities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Orson Welles was a child prodigy - called the boy genius, directing on Broadway at age 22
• 😮 Met Hitler as a child but he made no impression at all - had no personality
• 🤔 Doesn't like his films excerpted - always sees things wrong with them that he would change
• 😟 Was drafted repeatedly in WWII despite back problems due to Hearst's vendetta against him
• 🤨 Doesn't think any history can be fully accurate - it's an 'improved version of what happened'
• 😐 Felt closest to and most impressed by George Marshall out of all the famous people he met
• 😉 Used to joke around and mock Harry Cohn who bugged his office at the studio
• 🙂 Recalls fun times performing Shakespeare and even actors wandering into the wrong plays mid-scene
• 🤯 Claims everything good and bad is true about America - too big for generalizations
• 😢 Distressed that violence has always been part of the American story, from stealing land to now

Q & A

What was Orson Welles known as when he was young?

Orson Welles was known as the 'boy genius' when he was young, similar to Mozart, Keats and Paul Anka.

What did Orson Welles think of Hitler when he met him?

When Orson Welles met Hitler, he said Hitler made so little impression on him that he can't remember anything about their interaction. Welles said Hitler had no personality whatsoever at the time.

Who does Orson Welles consider the greatest man he ever met?

Orson Welles considered George Marshall the greatest man and greatest human being he ever met. He admired Marshall's kindness and gentleness with people regardless of their status.

What did Harry Cohn do to help Orson Welles with his musical?

When Welles was struggling to get his musical "Around the World in 90 Days" on stage, he called Harry Cohn asking for $47,000 and promising to make a film adaptation of a book for Cohn. Cohn sent the money, allowing Welles to open the show.

How many films would Orson Welles grab to save for posterity?

When asked which films he would save on an ark, Welles cheekily said he would grab "Grand Illusion", "La Règle du jeu", and "Something Else" - avoiding having to definitively pick only a couple films.

What happened with the musical score for Welles' musical?

The composer for Welles' musical wrote an entire score that was never used. Welles said "not one note of which was ever heard on radio or indeed on the lips of anybody wishing to whistle their way up the aisle out of the theater".

Why was Welles repeatedly drafted during WWII?

Welles believes he kept getting drafted because Hearst had people on his draft board who wanted to hassle Welles over his film Citizen Kane's portrayal of Hearst.

How did working with Mike Nichols go for Welles?

When Mike Nichols directed Welles, Nichols quickly sensed that Welles admired and respected him. This put Nichols at ease about working with the legendary filmmaker.

Can an exciting, pornographic film also be a narrative masterpiece?

Welles argues that a pornographic film, focused on sexual excitement, inherently works against narrative form and masterful storytelling - so while it could be exciting, it could not achieve masterpiece status.

What happened when Welles said he was a Brigadier General at the draft board?

After claiming he was a Brigadier General at the draft board, the sergeant made Welles pick up cigarette butts naked as punishment, to Welles' embarrassment.