Orson Welles - Mercury Theater - 1938 recordings
Orson Welles
The Mercury Theater, led by Orson Welles, produced a series of innovative radio programs that captivated audiences in 1938. This collection features 19 recordings, including 17 from 1938 and 2 from 1946, along with a special program from 1988 that reminisces about the impact of Welles and his team.
Among the notable adaptations were classics such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, Treasure Island, and The War of the Worlds, which famously caused a nationwide panic when it aired. Welles' creative vision and the involvement of his Mercury company set a new standard for radio drama, making it one of the most highly regarded series in the medium's history.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapitres
| Mercury Theater Remembered | 39:23 |
| Dracula | 55:46 |
| Treasure Island | 1:03:53 |
| A Tale of Two Cities | 59:32 |
| The Thirty Nine Steps | 1:02:52 |
| Abraham Lincoln | 59:50 |
| The Affairs of Anatole | 1:00:26 |
| The Count of Monte Cristo | 58:59 |
| The Man who Was Thursday | 57:24 |
| Julius Caesar | 1:06:33 |
| The Immortal Sherlock Holmes | 56:00 |
| Hell on Ice | 58:31 |
| Seventeen | 1:00:02 |
| Around the World in 80 Days | 57:02 |
| War of the Worlds | 51:24 |
| Complete Stories | 58:29 |
| A Passenger to Bali | 1:00:17 |
| Pickwick Papers | 1:01:21 |
| The Hitch-Hiker | 26:14 |
| The Search for Henry Le Ferre | 58:52 |
| Three Short Stories: I’m a Fool, The Open Window, and My Little Boy | 58:06 |
| Heart of Darkness | 58:29 |
Critiques
Superb
Robert B. Livingston
If one had to choose but one program to listen to, I would suggest the one about Abraham Lincoln.
Awesome
SBWilson~NOLA
I absolutely love most anything that Mr. Welles does. These radio programs were a true delight.
Yes
Rradioo
I don't understand a word of what he's saying, but I love this atmosphere, the radio.
also of note
Jebu
If you know anything at all of Welles and radio then you don't need me to tell you these broadcasts are entertaining; mostly I wanted to also say that Studio1 (the TV version) did an episode where they re-created what it might have been like for listeners and the people in the studio the night of 10-30-38 when MT did War of the Worlds. A quick search of Archive should produce the Studio1 episode--I forget the exact title. Also, if you like Mercury Theater/Campbell Playhouse then you might also try NBC University, Radio City Playhouse,and Studio1 radio shows.
The Hitch-Hiker
radiophoto
This show originated as an episode of "Suspense" and can be found on one of those pages here at the archive.
1941
RickSavant
Does anyone know where one can find the original 1941 version of The Hitch-Hiker by Mr Welles? Thank you...
3 short stories
person66
I noticed that 3 short stories was missing from the list. I found a copy here: http://www.mercurytheatre.info/ It would be nice if you could add it as well. Thanks.