Orson Welles' Sketch Book

S1 · E1 · Apr 24, 1955

The Early Days Episode 1

Welles discusses a timely earthquake, first-night audiences at the Gate Theatre in Dublin, and how he came to be an actor.

S1 · E2 · May 8, 1955

Critics Episode 2

Welles talks about a Boston performance of Five Kings, the consequences of Percy Hammond's negative review of the Voodoo Macbeth, and a curse placed on the film It's All True.

S1 · E3 · May 22, 1955

The Police Episode 3

Welles relates the story of Isaac Woodard, a decorated black World War II veteran who was blinded in a brutal 1946 beating by South Carolina police.

S1 · E4 · Jun 5, 1955

Houdini/John Barrymore/Voodoo Story/The People I Missed Episode 4

Prompts used by actors and others; remembering Harry Houdini; observations on gender differences in the appreciation of magic tricks; John Barrymore.

S1 · E5 · Jun 19, 1955

The War Of The Worlds Episode 5

The famous 1938 Mercury Theatre broadcast mistaken by many listeners for a real Martian invasion, and the consequent skepticism during the presentation of Norman Corwin's Between Americans on December 7, 1941; and the opening night of the Mercury stage flop, Danton's Death.

S1 · E6 · Jul 3, 1955

Bullfighting Episode 6

Welles tells the true story of Bonito the bull. Robert Flaherty's story was partially filmed in 1942 for Welles's unfinished film, It's All True.

S1 · E7 · May 7, 1955

Postscript Episode 7