The Free Library of Philadelphia’s seven-part Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood lecture series continues in September with a look at his work as an independent filmmaker, as well as some Hollywood studio projects.
Dr. Meta Mazaj of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Cinema and Media Studies will discuss The Genius Who Made Legendary Films on a Shoestring on Wednesday, September 6, at 7:30 p.m. The fifth program in the series will be presented at the library’s Montgomery Auditorium.
Mazaj will discuss how Welles became a freelance artist for hire, traveling between Europe and the United States. Welles would sell his services, usually as an actor, and pour every penny into various film projects. Sadly, many of these were never completed. However, while now forced to economize as never before, Welles also succeeded in making some of his greatest films during this hectic middle period of his career.
In her presentation, Mazaj will focus on such Welles-directed movies as Macbeth (1948), Othello (1951), Touch of Evil (1958) and Welles’ personal favorite, Chimes of Midnight (1965).
While this program is free, seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Those wishing further information on registering for the in-person Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood lecture series may email Dick Levinson at levinsonr@freelibrary.org or register on EventBrite.
The Orson Welles & The Golden Age of Hollywood series will conclude in October with two final lectures:
• The Crusader for Social Justice with actress-director Zuhairah McGill, Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 p.m.
• The Legacy of Orson Welles with Bob Mondello of NPR’s All Things Considered, Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 p.m.
Some previous lectures can be watched online at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO6PCwcyo3tQKBkDDuLZbUfYzrSpw6oFl
The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts numerous events each year. Chartered in 1891, its mission is “to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.”
__________
Post your comments on the Wellesnet Message Board.