Another Kane Question - Welles "false modesty"

[David N]

At the end of Kane, when Orson lists himself last on the list of actors; I've heard this described as Welles' false modesty. Having in the last few years become a huge fan of Buster Keaton and to a lesser extent Douglas Fairbanks Sr., I noticed that both of these silent movie greats also listed themselves last in the actors list. I also know that Welles was a huge fan of both of these giants. Could this have been sort of an homage to two of the great influences of his childhood? I've never seen anyone else willingly list themselves last. And his was an unsurpassed performance. Just curious.

[Harvey Chartrand]

Welles was only outdone in his modesty by Roman Polanski, who played the lead role in THE TENANT, the 1976 horror thriller he directed. Polanski's name doesn't even appear in the credits, even though he was in almost every scene!

[Harvey Chartrand]

A clarification.
I mean Polanski's name does not appear in the cast list credits, even though he is in virtually every scene of THE TENANT.
Film snobs are now calling THE TENANT the third film in Polanski's "Apartment Trilogy" (along with Repulsion and Rosemary's Baby).

[Glenn Anders]

David: A number of people who worked with Welles, including Joseph Cotten, remarked on his extraordinary empathy with, and generosity toward, fellow actors. Houseman said that Welles took real pleasure in thinking up witty praise for individuals in his Mercury Theater on the Air productions, and for his guest stars at the end of Campbell Theater episodes.

I think it's clear that he admired and appreciated talent.

Glenn